EIGHTH  AMERICAS  EL1TI0S. 


J 

3^1 


THE 

STAR  IN  THE  EAST  * 

A 

SERMON,  ' 

PREACHED  IN  THE  PARISH  CHURCH  OF  ST.  JAMES.  BRISTOL,  ON  SUNDAY, 
FEBRUARY  26,  1809, 

Fop  the  Benefit  of  the 

“ Society  for  Missions  to  Africa  and  the  East." 

BY 

REV.  CLAUDIUS  BUCHANAN,  L.  L.  D. 

FROM  INDIA. 


" For  we  have  seen  His  Star  in  the  East,  and  are  come  to  worship  Him."— Matt.  ii.  2. 


TO  WHICH  IS  ADDED, 

AN  APPENDIX, 

CONTAINING  THE 

INTERESTING  REPORT  OF  REV.  DR.  KERR, 

£ 

TO  THE  GOVERNOR  OF  MADRAS,  ON  THE  STATE  OF  THE  ANCIENT 
CHRISTIANS  IN  COCHIN  AND  TRAVANCORE,  AND  AN 

ACCOUNT  OF  THE  DISCOVERIES 

MADE  BY  REV.  DR.  BUCHANAN,  OF  200,000  CHRISTIANS,  IN  THE 
SEQUESTERED  REGION  OF  HINDOSTAN. 


BOSTON  : 

PUBLISHED  BY  MUNROE,  FRANCIS  1st  PARKER, 

AT  THE  SHAKSPEARE  BOOK-STORE, 

No.  4 Cornhill. 


1809. 


A SERMON. 


MATT.  ii.  2. 

“ For  ive  have  seen  his  Star  in  the  East , and  are  come 
to  worship  him.” 


When,  in  the  fulness  of  time,  the  Son  of  God  came 
down  from  heaven  to  take  our  nature  upon  him,  many 
circumstances  concurred  to  celebrate  the  event,  and  to 
render  it  an  illustrious  epoch  in  the  history  of  the  world. 
It  pleased  the  Divine  Wisdom  that  the  manifestation  of 
the  Deity  should  be  distinguished  by  a suitable  glory : 
and  this  was  done  by  the  ministry  of  Angels,  by  die 
ministry  of  Men,  and  by  the  ministry  of  Nature  itself. 

First,  This  was  done  by  the  ministry  of  Angels ; for 
an  Angel  announced  to  the  shepherds  “ the  glad  tidings 
“ of  great  joy  which  should  be  to  all  people and  a 
“ multitude  of  the  heavenly  host  sang  Glory  to  God  in 
“ the  Highest,  on  earth,  peace,  good-will  toward  men.” 

Secondly,  It  was  done  by  the  ministry  of  Men  ; for 
illustrious  persons,  divinely  directed,  came  from  a far 
country,  to  offer  gifts,  and  to  do  honour  to  the  newborn 
Ring. 

Thirdly,  It  was  done  by  the  ministry  of  Nature. 
Nature  herself  was  commanded  to  bear  witness  to  the 
presence  of  the  God  of  Nature.  A Star  or  Divine 
Light,  pointed  out  significantly  from  heaven  the  spot 
upon  earth  where  the  Saviour  was  bom. 

Thus,  I say,  it  pleased  the  Divine  Wisdom,  by  an 
assemblage  of  heavenly  testimonies,  to  glorify  the  incar- 
nation of  the  Son  of  God. 

All  these  testimonies  were  appropriate  ; but  the 
Journey  of  the  Eastern  Sages  had  in  it  a peculiar  fitness 


4 


We  can  hardly  imagine  a more  natural  mode  of  hon- 
ouring the  event  than  this,  that  illustrious  persons 
should  proceed  from  a far  country  to  visit  the  child 
which  was  bom  Saviour  of  the  world.  They  came,  as 
it  were,  in  the  name  of  the  Gentiles,  to  acknowledge  the 
heavenly  gift,  and  to  bear  their  testimony  against  that 
nation  which  rejected  it.  They  came  as  the  represen- 
tatives of  the  whole  heathen  world  ; not  only  of  the  hea- 
thens of  the  East,  but  also  of  the  heathens  in  the  West, 
from  whom  rue  are  descended.  In  the  name  of  the 
whole  world,  lying  “ in  darkness,  and  in  the  shadow  of 
death,”  they  came  inquiring  for  that  Light  which  they 
had  heard,  was  to  visit  them  in  the  fulness  of  time. 
“ And  the  star  which  they  saw  in  the  East,  went  be- 
“ fore  them,  till  it  came  and  stood  over  where  the  young 
“ child  was.  And  when  they  were  come  into  the  house, 
“ they  fell  down  and  worshipped  him  ; and  when  they 
“ had  opened  their  treasures,  they  presented  unto  him 
“ gifts,  gold,  and  frankincense,  and  myrrh and  they 
departed  into  their  own  country. 

Do  you  ask  how  the  Star  of  Christ  was  understood  in 
the  East  ? Or  why  Providence  ordained  that  peculiar 
mode  of  intimation  ? 

Christ  was  foretold  in  old- prophecy,  under  the  name 
of  the  “ Star  that  should  arise  out  of  Jacob  and  the 
rise  of  the  Star  in  Jacob  was  notified  to  the  world,  by 
the  appearance  of  an  actual  Star. 

We  learn  from  authentic  Roman  history,  that  there 
prevailed  “ in  the  East”  a constant  expectation  of  a 
Prince,  who  should  rise  out  of  Judea,  and  rule  the 
world.  That  such  an  expectation  did  exist,  has  been 
confirmed  by  the  ancient  writings  of  India.  Whence, 
then,  arose  this  extraordinary  expectation,  for  it  was 
found  also  in  the  Sybilline  books  of  Rome? 

The  Jewish  expectation  of  the  Messiah  had  pervaded 
the  East  long  before  the  period  of  his  appearance.  The 
Jews  are  called  by  their  own  prophet  the  “ Expecting 
people*,”  (as  it  may  be  translated,  and  as  some  of  the 
Jews  of  the  East  translate  it)  the  “ people  looking  for 


Is.  xviii.  2 “ The  people  meted  out,”  in  our  translation. 


5 


“ and  expecting  One  to  come.”  Wherever,  then,  the 
ten  tribes  were  carried  throughout  the  East,  they  carri- 
ed with  them  their  expectation.  And  they  carried  also 
the  prophecies  on  which  their  expectation  was  founded. 
Now  one  of  the  clearest  of  these  prophecies  runs  in 
these  words  : “ There  shall  come  a Star  out  of  Jacob.” 
And  as  in  the  whole  dispensation  concerning  the  Mes- 
siah, there  is  a wonderful  fitness  between  the  words  of 
prophecy  and  the  person  spoken  of,  so  it  pleased  the 
Divine  Wisdom  that  the  rise  of  the  Star  in  Jacob  should 
be  announced  to  the  world  by  the  appearance  of  an  ac- 
tual Star,  (for  by  what  other  means  could  the  great 
event  be  more  significantly  communicated  to  the  remote 
parts  of  the  earth  ?)  and  this  actual  Star,  in  itself  a prop- 
er emblem  of  that  “ Light  which  was  to  lighten  the 
Gentiles,”  conducted  them  to  Him  who  was  ealled  in  a 
figure  the  Star  of  Jacob,  and  the  “ glory  of  his  people 
Israel ;”  and  who  hath  said  of  himself,  (Rev.  xxii.  16) 
“ I Jesus,  am  the  bright  and  morning  Starf.” 

But  again,  why  was  the  East  thus  honoured  ? Why 
was  the  East,  and  not  the  West,  the  scene  of  these 
transactions  ? The  East  was  the  scene  of  the  first  reve- 
lation of  God.  The  fountains  of  inspiration  were  first 
opened  in  the  East.  And,  after  the  flood,  the  first  fam- 
ily of  the  new  world  was  planted  in  the  East ; I mean 
the  East,  in  relation  to  Judea.  Besides,  millions  of  the 
human  race  inhabit  that  portion  of  the  globe.  The 
chief  population  of  the  world  is  in  these  regions.  And 
in  the  middle  of  them  the  Star  of  Christ  first  appeared. 
And,  led  by  it,  the  wise  men  passed  through  many  na- 
tions, tongues  and  kindreds,  before  they  arrived  at  Ju- 
dea in  the  West ; bearing  tidings  to  the  world  that  the 
Light  was  come,  that  the  “ Desire  of  all  Nations”  was 
come.  Even  to  Jerusalem  herself  they  brought  the 
first  intimation  that  her  long  expected  Messiah  was 
come. 

Now,  my  brethren,  as  the  East  was  honoured  in  the 
first  age,  in  thus  pointing  out  the  Messiah  to  the  world ; 

t The  Jews  used  to  speak  of  their  Messiah  under  the  appellation  of  Bar 
Cocab,  or  “ the  Son  of  the  Star  and  false  Christs  actually  assumed  that 

name. 


6 


so  now  again,  after  a long  interval  of  darkness,  it  is 
bearing  witness  to  the  truth  of  his  religion  ; not  indeed 
by  the  shining  of  a Star,  but  by  affording  luminous  ev- 
idence of  the  divine  origin  of  the  Christian  Faith.  It 
affords  evidence,  not  only  of  the  general  truth  of  its  his- 
tory^ but  of  its  peculiar  doctrines ; and  not  of  its  doc- 
trines merely,  but  of  the  divine  power  of  these  doctrines 
in  convincing  the  understandings  and  converting  the 
hearts  of  men.  And  in  this  sense  it  is,  that  “ we  have 
“ seen  his  Star  in  the  East,  and  are  come  to  worship 
“ him.” 

And  when  these  evidences  shall  have  been  laid  before 
you,  you  will  see  that  the  Time  is  come  for  diffusing 
His  religion  throughout  the  world  ; you  will  “ offer 
“ gifts”  in  his  name  for  the  promotion  of  the  work  ; and 
you  will  offer  up  prayers  in  its  behalf,  “ that  God  would 
“ be  pleased  to  make  his  ways  known,  his  saving  health 
“ unto  all  nations.” 

In  this  discourse,  we  propose  to  lay  before  you, 

1st.  Evidences  of  the  general  truth  of  the  Chris- 
tian Religion,  existing  in  the  East. 

2dly.  Evidences  of  the . divine  power  of  that  reli- 
gion, exemplified  in  the  East. 

I.  The  general  truth  of  the  Christian  Religion  is  il- 
lustrated by  certain  evidences  in  the  East.  Of  these 
we  shall  mention  the  following. 

1.  Ancient  writings  of  India,  containing  particulars 
of  the  history  of  Christ. 

2.  Certain  doctrines  of  the  East,  shadowing  forth 
the  peculiar  doctrines  of  Christianity,  and  manifestly 
derived  from  a common  origin. 

3.  The  state  of  the  Jews  in  the  East,  confirming  the 
truth  of  ancient  prophecy. 

4.  The  state  of  the  Syrian  Christians  in  the  East, 
subsisting  for  many  ages,  a separate  and  distinct  people 
in  the  midst  of  the  heathen  world. 

These  subjects,  however,  we  must  notice  very 
briefly. 


7 


1.  Hindoo  history'  illustrates  the  history  of  the  Gos- 
pel. There  have  lately  been  discovered  in  India,  cer- 
tain Sanscrit  writings,  containing  Testimonies  of  Christ. 
They  relate  to  a Prince  who  reigned  about  the  period 
of  the  Christian  era  ; and  whose  history,  though  mix- 
ed with  fable,  contains  particulars  which  correspond,  in 
a surprising  manner,  with  the  advent,  birth,  miracles, 
deadi,  and  resurrection  of  our  Saviour.  The  event 
mentioned  in  the  words  of  the  Text  is  exactly  record- 
ed, namely,  That  certain  holy  men,  directed  by  a Star, 
journeyed  toward  the  West,  where  they  beheld  the  in- 
carnation of  the  Deity*. 

These  important  records  have  been  translated  by  a 
learned  Orientalist!,  and  he  has  deposited  the  origi- 
nals among  the  archives  of  the  Asiatic  Society.  From 
these,  and  from  other  documents,  he  has  compiled  a 
work,  entitled  “ The  History  of  the  introduction  of  the 
Christian  Religion  into  India  ; its  progress  and  de- 
cline and  at  the  conclusion  of  the  work  he  thus  ex- 
presses himself  : “I  have  written  this  account  of  Chris- 
“ tianity  in  India  with  the  impartiality  of  an  Historian  ; 
“ fully  persuaded  that  our  holy  religion  cannot  receive 
“ any  additional  lustre  from  it.” 

Thus  far  of  the  history  of  the  Gospel. 

2.  We  are  now  to  notice  certain  doctrines  of  the 
East,  shadowing  forth  the  doctrines  of  Christianity. 

The  peculiar  doctrines  of  the  Christian  Religion  are 
so  strongly  represented  in  certain  systems  of  the  East, 
that  we  cannot  doubt  theTeeee  whence  they  have  been 
derived.  We  find  in  them  the  doctrines  of  the  Trin- 
ity, of  the  incarnation  of  the  Deity,  of  the  Atonement 
for  sin,  and  of  the  influence  of  the  Divine  Spirit. 

First,  The  doctrine  of  the  Trinity.  The  Hindoos 
believe  in  one  God  Brahma,  the  creator  of  all  things  : 
and  yet  they  represent  him  as  subsisting  in  three  per- 
sons ; and  they  worship  one  or  other  of  these  persons 
throughout  every  part  of  India.  And  what  proves  that 

* This  testimony  of  the  Hindoo  -writer  accords  with  that  of  Chalcidius, 
the  ancient  commentator  on  Plato,  who  adds,  “ that  the  infant  Majesty  be- 
“ mg  found,  the  wise  men.  worshipped,  and  gave  gifts  suitable  to  so  great 
“ a God.” 

t Mr.  Wilford. 


✓ .UnC'TCJ^ 


8 


they  hold  this  doctrine  distinctly,  is,  that  their  most  an- 
cient representation  of  the  Deity  is  formed  of  one  body 
and  three  faces.  Nor  are  these  representations  confined 
to  India  alone  ; but  they  are  to  be  found  in  other  parts 
of  the  East. 

Whence,  then,  my  brethren,  has  been  derived  this 
idea  of  a triune  God?  If,  as  some  allege,  the  doc- 
trine of  the  Trinity  among  Christians  be  of  recent  ori- 
gin, whence  have  the  Hindoos  derived  it  ? When  you 
shall  have  read  all  the  volumes  of  Philosophy  on  the 
subject,  you  will  not  have  obtained  a satisfactory  an- 
swer to  this  question. 

Secondly,  The  doctrine  of  the  Incarnation  of  the  De- 
ity. The  Hindoos  believe  that  one  of  the  persons  in 
their  Trinity  (and  that,  too,  the  second  person,)  was 
“ manifested  in  the  flesh.”  Hence  their  fables  of  the 
incarnations  of  Vishnoo,  of  which  you  may  have  heard. 
And  this  doctrine  of  the  incarnation  of  the  Deity  is 
found  over  almost  the  whole  of  Asia. 

Whence,  then,  originated  this  idea,  that  “ God 
“ should  become  man,  and  take  our  nature  upon 
“ him  ?”  The  Hindoos  do  not  consider  that  it  was  an 
Angel  merely  that  became  man,  but  God  himself.  The 
incarnation  of  God  is  a frequent  theme  of  their  dis- 
course. We  cannot  doubt  whence  this  peculiar  tenet 
of  religion  has  been  derived.  We  must  believe  that  all 
the  fabulous  incarnations  of  the  Eastern  Mythology  are 
derived  from  the  real  incarnation  of  the  Son  of  God,  or 
from  the  prophecies  which  went  before  it. 

Thirdly,  The  doctrine  of  Atonement  for  Sin,  by  the 
shedding  of  blood.  To  this  day  in  Hindostan,  the 
people  bring  the  Goat  or  Kid  to  the  Temple  ; and  the 
Priest  sheds  the  blood  of  the  innocent  victim.  Nor  is 
this  peculiar  to  Hindostan.  Throughout  the  whole 
East,  the  doctrine  of  a sacrifice  for  sin  seems  to  exist 
in  one  form  or  other. 

How  is  it  then,  that  some  of  you  in  this  country  say 
that  there  is  no  Atonement  ! For,  ever  since  “ Abel 
offered  unto  God  a more  excellent  sacrifice  than 
Cain  ever  since  Noah,  the  father  of  the  new  world, 
“ offered  burnt-offerings  on  the  Altar,”  sacrifices  have 


9 


been  offered  up  in  almost  every  nation  ; as  if  for  a con 
stant  memorial  before  the  world,  that  “ without  shed 
“ ding  of  blood,  there  is  no  remission  of  sin.” 

Fourthly,  The  doctrine  of  the  influence  of  the  Spirit 
of  God.  In  the  most  ancient  writings  of  the  Hindoos, 
some  of  which  have  been  lately  published,  it  is  asserted 
that  the  “ divine  spirit,  or  light  of  holy  knowledge,”  in- 
fluences the  minds  of  men.  And  the  man  who  is  the 
subject  of  such  influence  is  called  the  “ man  twice- 
born.”  Many  chapters  are  devoted  to  the  duties, 
character,  and  virtues  of  “ the  man  twice-born.” 

If,  then,  in  the  very  systems  of  the  heathen  world,  this 
exalted  idea  should  have  a place,  how  much  more  might 
we  expect  to  find  it  in  the  revelation  of  the  true  God  ! 

We  could  illustrate  other  doctrines  by  similar  anal- 
ogies, did  time  permit.  If  these  analogies  were  merely 
partial  or  accidental,  they  would  be  less  important. 
But  they  are  not  casual  ; as  every  man  who  is  versed  in 
the  Holy  Scriptures  and  in  Oriental  Mythology  well 
knows.  They  are  general  and  systematic.  Was  it 
ever  alleged  that  the  Light  of  Nature  could  teach  such 
doctrines  as  these  ? They  are  all  contrary  to  the  Light 
of  Nature. 

These,  my  brethren,  are  doctrines  which  exist  at  this 
day,  in  the  midst  of  the  idolatry  and  moral  corruption 
of  die  heathen  world.  Every  where  there  appears  to 
be  a counterfeit  of  the  true  doctrine.  The  inhabitants 
have  lost  sight  of  the  only  true  God,  and  they  apply 
these  doctrines  to  their  false  gods.  For  these  doctrines 
are  relics  of  the  first  Faith  of  the  earth.  They  are,  as 
you  see,  the  strong  characters  of  God’s  primary  revela- 
tion to  man,  which  neither  the  power  of  man,  nor  time 
itself,  hath  been  able  to  destrov  ; but  which  have  en- 
dured  from  age  to  age,  like  the  works  of  nature,  the 
moon  and  stars,  which  God  hath  created  incorruptible. 

3.  Another  circumstance,  illustrating  the  truth  of  the 
Christian  religion  in  the  East,  is  the  state  of  the  Jews. 
The  Jews  are  scattered  over  the  w hole  face  of  the  East, 
and  the  fulfilment  of  the  prophecies  concerning  them  is 
far  more  evident  in  these  regions  than  it  is  here  among 
Christian  nations, 
o 


10 


The  last  great  punishment  of  the  Jewish  people  was 
inflicted  for  their  last  great  crime — their  shedding  the 
blood  of  the  Son  of  God  ! And  this  instance  of  divine 
indignation  has  been  exhibited  to  all  nations,  and  all  na- 
tions seem  to  have  been  employed  by  the  ordinance  of 
God  in  inflicting  the  punishment. 

By  express  prophecy,  the  Jews  were  sentenced  to  be- 
come “ the  scorn  and  reproach  of  all  people  ;”  and 
“ a proverb  and  by- word  among  all  nations.”  Now, 
that  their  stubborn  unbelief  should  be  a reproach  to 
them  among  Christian  nations  here  in  the  West,  is  not 
so  strange  ; that  they  should  be  a proverb  and  by -word 
among  those  who  had  heard  the  prophecy  concerning 
them,  is  not  so  remarkable.  But  to  have  seen  them  (as 
I have  seen  them)  insulted  and  persecuted  by  the  igno- 
rant nations  in  the  East  ; in  the  very  words  of  prophecy, 
“ trodden  down  of  the  heathen  trodden  down  by  a 
people  who  never  heard  the  name  of  Christ  ; who  nev- 
er heard  that  the  Jews  had  rejected  Christ  ; and  who,  in 
fact,  punished  the  Jews , without  knowing  their  crime  ; 
this,  I say,  hath  appeared  to  me  an  awful  completion  of 
the  divine  sentence. 

4.  Another  monument  of  the  Christian  religion  in 
the  East,  is  the  state  of  the  'Syrian  Christians , subsist- 
ing for  many  ages  a separate  and  distinct  people,  in  the 
midst  of  the  corruption  and  idolatry  of  the  heathen 
world/  They  exist  in  the  very  midst  of  India,  like  the 
bush  of  Moses,  burning  and  not  consumed  ; surround- 
ed by  the  enemies  of  their  faith,  and  subject  to  their 
power,  and  yet  not  destroyed.  There  they  exist,  hav- 
ing the  pure  word  of  God  in  their  hands,  and  speaking 
in  their  churches  that  same  language  which  our  Saviour 
himself  spake  in  the  streets  of  Jerusalem. 

We  may  contemplate  the  history  of  this  people,  ex- 
isting so  long  in  that  dark  region,  as  a type  of  the  inex- 
tinguishable Light  of  Christ’s  religion  ; and  in  this 
sense  it  may  be  truly  said,  “ We  have  seen  his  Star  in 
“ the  East.” 

The  probable  design  of  the  Divine  Providence,  in 
preserving  this  people,  appears  to  be  this  : That  they 
should  be  a seed  of  the  Church  in  Asia  : that  they 


il 


should  be  a special  instrument  for  the  conversion  of  the 
surrounding  heathen,  when  God’s  appointed  time  is 
come  ; a people  prepared  for  his  service,  as  fellow-la- 
bourers with  us  ; a people,  in  short,  in  the  midst  of 
Asia,  to  whom  we  can  point  as  an  evidence  to  the  rest, 
of  the  truth  and  antiquity  of  the  Christian  Faith. 

And  this  shall  suffice  as  to  the  testimonies  of  the  gen- 
eral truth  of  Christianity  existing  in  the  East. 

II.  We  proposed,  in  the  second  branch  of  the  dis- 
course, to  lay  before  you  some  evidences  of  the  divine 
power  of  the  Christian  Religion  exemplified  in  the  East. 

To  say  that  Christianity  has  been  propagated  in  the 
East,  as  other  religions  have  been  propagated,  is  to  say 
nothing.  It  is  little  to  say  that  thousands  have  adopted 
the  name , and  that  it  pervades  populous  provinces.  For 
three  centuries  past,  the  Romish  Church  has  diffused 
the  name  of  Christianity  throughout  the  East ; and  this 
success  demonstrates  how  practicable  it  is  to  “ propa- 
“ gate  our  religion,”  (in  the  common  sense  of  that  ex- 
pression) throughout  all  nations  of  the  world.  Provi- 
dence seems  to  have  ordained  this  previous  labour  of 
the  Romish  Church,  to  facilitate  the  preaching  of  the 
true  Gospel  at  the  appointed  time  ; for  Christianity  is 
found,  even  in  its  worst  form,  to  possess  a moral  and 
civilizing  efficiency. 

But  it  is  in  the  East,  as  it  is  in  the  West — all  are  not 
Christians  who  are  called  Christians.  “ He  is  not  a 
“ Christian,  who  is  one  outwardly  ; neither  is  that  bap- 
“ tism  which  is  outward  in  the  flesh.”  The  fact  was, 
the  Romish  Church  preached  Christianity  in  the  East, 
without  the  Bible. 

Let  us  now  inquire  what  has  been  the  consequence 
of  sending  the  Bible  to  the  East.  It  is  nearly  one  hun- 
dred years  since  the  Bible  was  sent  to  the  Hindoos  ; but 
not  by  our  country.  This  honour  was  given  to  the 
Protestant  churches  of  Denmark  and  Germany.  It  was 
sent  to  a certain  nation  in  the  South  of  India ; for  there 
are  many  nations  in  Hindostan.  What  then  was  the 
effect  of  giving  them  the  Bible  ? It  was  the  same  as 
that  which  followed  the  giving  the  Bible  to  us,  while 


12 


we  lay  in  almost  Hindoo  darkness,  buried  in  the  igno- 
rance and  superstition  of  the  church  of  Rome.  It  gave 
light  and  knowledge  ; God  blessed  his  own  word  to  the 
conversion  of  the  heart,  and  men  began  to  worship  him 
in  sincerity  and  truth. 

That  province  in  India,  which  was  blessed  with  the 
Bible,  hath  since  “ seen  a great  Light.”  During  near- 
ly the  whole  of  the  last  century,  multitudes  of  Hindoos 
(both  heathens  and  Roman  Catholics)  became  members 
of  the  Protestant  Church,  one  generation  after  another  ; 
and  amongst  them  there  has  ever  been  found,  according 
to  the  records  of  the  Mission*,  such  a proportion  of 
serious  piety,  as  you  might  expect  to  find,  when  the 
Gospel  is  preached  with  faithfulness  and  zeal. 

During  the  whole  of  the  last  century,  Providence  fa- 
voured them  with  a succession  of  holy  and  learned  men, 
educated  at  the  Universities  of  Germany  : among  whom 
was  the  venerable  Swartz,  called  the  Apostle  of  the 
East ; and  others  not  much  inferiour  to  him,  men  whose 
names  are  scarcely  known  in  this  country,  but  who  are 
as  famous  among  the  Hindoos,  as  Wickliffe  and  Luther 
are  amongst  us.  The  ministry  of  these  good  men  was 
blessed  in  many  provinces  in  the  South  of  India,  and 
the  bounds  of  their  churches  are  extending  unto  this 
day.  The  language  of  the  country  is  called  the  Tu- 
mid ; and  the  first  translation  of  the  Bible,  in  that  lan- 
guage, was  made,  as  we  said,  about  a hundred  years 
ago.  Like  YVickliffe’s  Bible  with  us,  it  became  the 
father  of  many  versions,  and,  after  a succession  of  im- 
proved editions,  it  is  now  considered  by  the  Bramins 
themselves  (like  Luther’s  Bible  in  German)  as  the  clas- 
sical standard  of  the  Tamul  tongue. 

A Jubilee  has  lately  been  celebrated  in  India,  in  hon- 
our of  the  Gospel.  In  the  month  pf  July,  1806,  a Ju- 
bilee was  observed  bv  these  Hindoo  churches,  in  com- 
memoration of  the  arrival  of  the  two  first  Protestant 
Missionaries  on  the  9th  of  July,  1706.  The  year  1806, 
being  the  hundredth  year  (or  the  second  fiftieth)  since 
the  Gospel  first  visited  their  land,  was  to  them  “ the 
year  of  Jubilee.”  The  happy  occasion  had  been  long 

* These  Records  are  published  in  upwards  of  30  volumes,  thick  4tn 


13 


anticipated,  and  was  marked  with  demonstrations  of  jo) 
and  gladness.  The  people,  as  we  were  informed,  walk- 
ed in  procession  to  their  churches,  carrying  palms  in 
their  hands,  and  singing  the  98th  Psalm  ; and,  after  of- 
fering up  praises  and  thanksgivings  to  the  Most  High, 
they  heard  a sermon  suitable  to  the  day.  The  sermon 
at  the  Jubilee  of  Tritchinopoly  was  preached  by  their 
aged  minister,  the  Rev.  Air.  Pohle,  from  these  words  : 
“ Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations ; baptizing  them 
“ in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the 
“ Holy  Ghost*.” 

These  were  the  effects  of  sending  the  Bible  to  the  East, 
Men  were  “ brought  to  a knowledge  of  the  truth  and 
at  the  end  of  a hundred  years,  the  natives  kept  the  Ju- 
bilee of  the  Bible. 

Such,  my  brethren,  was  the  light  in  the  South  of  In- 
dia. And  now  a Light  has  sprung  up  in  the  North, 
of  which  you  have  heard.  Our  own  country  hath  be- 
gun,  though  late,  to  dispense  “ the  word  of  Life.” 
And  although  the  time  has  been  short,  the  success  has 
been  great.  In  the  North,  in  the  West,  and  in  Ceylon, 
translations  of  the  Scriptures  are  going  on  in  almost  all 
the  languages  of  Oriental  India. 

Our  own  country  hath  at  length  assumed  an  interest 
in  diffusing  the  Gospel.  “ In  the  fulness  of  time,”  we 
trust,  her  different  societies  have  come  forth,  as  with 
one  consent,  to  begin  the  work  of  evangelizing  the  East. 
“ In  the  fulness  of  time,”  we  trust,  hath  this  country 
begun,  by  these  instruments,  to  employ  her  great  pow- 
er, and  her  enlightened  zeal,  in  extending  the  knowl- 
edge of  the  true  God  throughout  the  world. 

We  ought  not  to  regret  that  the  work  is  carried  on 
by  Christians  of  different  denominations ; for  if  they 
teach  the  religion  of  the  Bible,  their  labour  will  be  bles- 
sed. W e have  no  contentions  in  India,  like  those  in 
Britain,  between  Protestants  of  different  names.  There 
they  are  all  friends.  The  strife  there  is  between  light 
and  darkness  ; between  the  true  God  and  an  idol.  So 
liberal  and  catholic  is  the  Christian  in  Asia  (while  he 

* See  Accounts  of  the  “ Society  for  Promoting  Christian  Knowledge,” 
just  published. 


u 


looks  over  the  map  of  the  World,  and  can  scarcely  find 
where  the  isle  of  Britain  lies)  that  he  considers  even  the 
term  “ Protestant,”  as  being  in  a certain  degree  exclu- 
sive or  sectarian.  “ The  religion  of  the  Bible,”  or, 
“ the  religion  of  Christ,”  is  the  name  by  which  he  would 
describe  his  creed.  For  when  the  idolater  once  abjures 
his  own  cast  for  the  Gospel,  he  considers  the  differenc- 
es of  Protestants  (if  he  ever  hear  of  them)  as  being  very 
insignificant.  Indeed  he  cannot  well  understand  them. 
In  the  great  revolution  that  takes  place  in  his  mind  (if 
his  conversion  be  real)  he  cannot  contemplate  these 
minute  objects.  We  ought  not  then,  I say,  to  regret 
that  different  classes  of  Christians  are  employed  in  the 
work.  For  the  case  is  an  exact  parallel  of  that  record- 
ed in  the  Gospel  (Mark  ix.  38  :)  “ And  John  answering 
“ said,  Master,  we  saw  one  casting  out  Devils  in  thy 
“ name,  and  he  folio weth  not  us  ; and  we  forbad  him, 
“ because  he  followeth  not  us.  And  Jessus  said,  for- 

“ BID  HIM  NOT.” 

On  my  arrival  from  India,  a few  months  ago,  I learn- 
ed that  a controversy  had  engaged  the  attention  of  the 
public,  for  some  time,  on  the  question  of  sending  Mis- 
sions to  the  East.  In  the  future  history  of  our  country 
it  will  scarcely  be  believed,  that  in  the  present  age  an  at- 
tempt should  have  been  made  to  prevent  the  diffusion 
of  the  blessed  principles  of  the  Christian  religion.  It 
will  not  be  believed  that  an  attempt  should  have  been 
made  to  prove  by  argument,  that  it  was  wrong  to  make 
known  the  Revelation  of  the  true  God  to  our  fellow 
men  ; or  if,  in  some  instances,  it  might  be  permitted 
(as  in  the  case  of  remote  nations)  that  we  ought  not  to 
instruct  that  people  who  were  affirmed  to  be  the  most 
superstitious,  and  most  prejudiced;  and  who  were  our 
own  subjects.  We  scarcely  believe  ourselves  that, 
twenty  years  ago,  an  attempt  was  made  to  defend  the 
traffick  in  slaves,  and  that  books  were  written  to  show 
that  it  was  humane  in  its  character,  just  in  its  principle, 
and  honorable  to  our  nation.  The  discussion,  there- 
fore, that  has  taken  place  on  the  civilization  of  the  East, 
has  been  of  important  use.  Men  in  general  were  not 
informed.  The  scene  of  action  was  remote,  and  the 


15 


subject  was  new  in  almost  all  its  relations.  Even  to 
some  of  those  persons  who  had  been  in  India,  the  sub- 
ject was  new.  Just  as  in  this  country,  if  you  wer e to 
ask  certain  persons  whether  they  had  any  acquaintance 
with  the  religious  world,  they  would  say  they  had  never 
heard  there  xvas  such  a world  ; so  some  from  India  haz- 
arded an  opinion  concerning  the  “ inveterate  prejudices” 
of  certain  tribes  in  the  East,  who  scarcely  knew  the  ge- 
ography of  the  country  where  they  lived  ; what  their  re- 
ligion was,  or  whether  they  had  any  religion  at  all. 
They  had  seen  no  star  in  the  East  ; they  had  heard  of 
no  Jubilee  for  the  Bible.  Like  the  spies  of  Israel,  who 
brought  back  “ an  evil  report”  from  Canaan,  they  report- 
ed that  India  was  no  “ land  of  promise”  for  the  Gospel ; 
that  the  land  was  barren , and  that  the  men  were  Ana- 
lams.  But  the  faithful  Swartz  gave  another  testimony. 
He  affirmed  that  it  is  “ exceeding  good  land  and  his 
“ record  is  true.”  He  who  was  best  qualified  to  give 
an  opinion  on  the  subject,  who  preached  among  the 
Hindoos  for  nearly  fifty  years,  founded  churches  among 
them  in  different  provinces,  established  schools  for  their 
children,  disseminated  religious  tracts  in  their  own 
tongue,  and  intimately  knew  their  language,  manners, 
prejudices,  and  superstitions  ; he  who  restored  the 
Christian  character  to  respect,  after  it  had  fallen  into 
contempt  ; who  was  selected  by  the  natives  as  an  arbi- 
ter of  their  differences  with  the  English,  and  whom  both 
Hindoos  and  English  loved  and  feared  in  his  life  and 
honored  in  his  death*  ; this  good  man,  I say,  differed 

* At  the  funeral  of  Mr.  Swartz,  the  Hindoo  Rajal)  of  Tanjore  came  to  do 
honor  to  his  memory  in  the  presence  of  his  Braminical  court.  He  covered 
the  body  with  a gold  cloth  and  shed  a flood  of  tears.  He  afterwards  composed 
an  epitaph  for  him,  whom  he  called  “his  father  and  his  friend,”  and  caused 
it  to  be  inscribed  on  the  stone  whicli  covers  Swartz’s  grave,  in  one  of  the 
Christian  churches  of  Tanjore. 

The  English  also  have  pronounced  a noble  and  affecting  encomium  on  the 
character  of  this  estimable  Missionary. 

The  Honorable  the  East-India  company  have  sent  out  to  Madras  a mon- 
ument of  marble  to  be  erected  in  the  church  of  St.  Mary  at  that  place,  to  the 
memory  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Swartz,  inscribed  with  a suitable  epitaph  ; and 
they  announced  it  in  their  general  letter,  dated  the  29th  of  October,  1806, 
“ as  a testimony  of  the  deep  sense  they  entertained  of  his  transcendent  mer- 
“ it,  of  his  unwearied  labors  in  the  cause  of  religion  and  piety,  and  of  his 
“ public  services  at  Tanjore,  where  the  influence  of  his  name  and  character 
“ was  for  a long  course  of  years,  productive  of  important  benefits  to  the 


16 


in  opinion  from  some,  who  have  lately  ventured  to  give 
a judgment  in  this  matter : he  affirmed  that  it  was  Eng- 
land’s duty  to  make  known  the  Revelation  of  the  true 
God  to  her  Indian  subjects. 

In  the  mean  time,  while  men  hold  different  opinions 
on  the  subject  here,  the  great  work  goes  on  in  the  East. 
The  Christians  there  will  probably  never  hear  of  our 
dissentions  ; nor,  if  they  should  hear  of  them,  would 
they  be  much  interested  about  them.  And  on  this  point 
I judge  it  right  to  notice  a very  singular  mistake,  which 
appears  to  have  existed  on  both  sides  of  the  question. 
It  seems  to  have  been  understood  that  we  have  it  in  our 
power  to  prevent  the  progress  of  Christianity  in  India, 
if  we  wish  to  do  so  ; if  such  a measure  should  be  re- 
commended by  what  is  called  “ a wise  policy.”  But 
we  hav  e no  power  to  prevent  the  extension  of  the  Christ- 
ian religion  in  India.  We  have  it  in  our  power,  indeed, 
greatly  to  promote  it,  but  we  have  no  power  to  destroy 
it.  It  would  be  as  easy  to  extinguish  Christianity  in 
Great  Britain  as  in  India.  There  are  thousands  of 
Christians  in  India — hundreds  of  thousands  of  Christ- 
ians. And  while  we  are  contending  here,  whether  it  be 
a proper  thing  to  convert  the  Hindoos,  they  will  go  on 
extending  the  bounds  of  their  churches,  keeping  their 
jubilees,  and  enjoying  the  blessings  of  the  Gospel,  re- 
gardless of  our  opinions  or  authority. 

The  dispute  in  this  country,  relative  to  the  efficiency 
of  preaching  the  faith  of  Christ  to  the  heathen  world,  is 
not  unlike  the  dispute  of  the  Jewish  doctors  in  the  Gos- 
pel, concerning  our  Saviour’s  power  “ to  forgive  sins.” 
We  read  that  our  Lord  had  healed  a woman,  who  was 
a sinner.  And  he  said  unto  her,  “ Daughter,  thy  sins 
“ are  forgiven  ; thy  faith  hath  saved  thee  ; go  in  peace.” 
Then  began  the  Pharisees  to  say  within  themselves, 
“ Who  is  this  that  forgiveth  sins  also  ?”  But  she  felt 

“ Company.”  The  Honourable  Court  further  adds  : “ On  no  subject  has 
“the  Court  of  Directors  been  more  unanimous  than  in  their  anxious  desire 
“ to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  this  eminent  person,  and  to  excite  in  others  an 
emulation  of  his  great  example.”  They  direct,  finally,  “ that  translations 
“ shall  be  made  of  the  epitaph  into  the  country  languages,  and  published  at 
“ Madras  ; and  that  the  native  inhabitants  shall  be  encouraged  to  view  the 
“ monument.” 


17 


in  herself  that  she  was  healed,  and,  leaving  the  doctors 
to  dispute  whether  “ her  faith  could  save  her  or  not,” 
she  departed  in  peace  and  joy. 

So,  while  we  are  disputing  here,  whether  the  faith  of 
Christ  can  save  the  heathens,  the  Gospel  hath  gone  forth 
“ for  the  healing  of  the  nations.”  A congregation  of 
Hindoos  will  assemble  on  the  morning  of  the  Sabbath, 
under  the  shade  of  a Banian  tree,  not  one  of  whom,  per- 
haps, ever  heard  of  Great- Britain  by  name.  There  the 
Holy  Bible  is  opened  ; the  word  of  Christ  is  preached 
with  eloquence  and  zeal  ; the  affections  are  excited  ; 
the  voice  of  prayer  and  praise  is  lifted  up  ; and  He  who 
hath  promised  his  presence  “ when  two  or  three  are 
“ gathered  together  in  his  name,  is  there  in  the  midst  of 
“ them  to  bless  them,  according  to  his  word.”  These 
scenes  I myself  have  witnessed  ; and  it  is  in  this  sense 
in  particular  I can  say,  “We  have  seen  his  Star  in  the 
“ East,  and  are  come  to  worship  him.” 

Thus  far  we  have  spoken  of  the  success  of  the  Gos- 
pel in  Asia,  by  means  of  European  preachers.  But  we 
shall  now  exhibit  to  you  evidence  from  another  source, 
from  a new  and  unexpected  quarter.  We  are  now  to 
declare  what  has  been  done,  independently  of  our  exer- 
ertions,  and  in  regions  where  we  have  no  labourers,  and 
no  access.  And  this  I do  to  show  you,  that  whether 
we  assist  in  the  work  or  not,  it  is  God’s  will  that  it 
should  begin.  You  have  hitherto  been  contemplating 
the  Light  in  India.  We  are  now  to  announce  to  you, 
that  a light  hath  appeared  in  Arabia,  and  dawned,  as  it 
were,  on  the  Temple  of  Mecca  itself. 

Two  Mahometans  of  Arabia,  persons  of  consideration 
in  their  own  country,  have  been  lately  converted  to  the 
Christian  faith.  One  of  them  has  already  suffered  mar- 
tyrdom, and  the  other  is  now  engaged  in  translating  the 
Scriptures,  and  in  concerting  plans  for  the  conversion 
of  his  countrymen.  The  name  of  the  martyr  was  Ab- 
dallah ; and  the  name  of  the  other,  who  is  now  translat- 
ing the  Scriptures,  is  Sabat  ; or,  as  he  is  called  since 
his  Christian  baptism,  Nathaniel  Sabat.  Sabat  resided 


18 


in  my  house  some  time  before  I left  India,  and  I had 
from  his  own  mouth  the  chief  part  of  the  account  which 
I shall  now  give  to  you.  Some  particulars  I had  from 
others.  His  conversion  took  place  after  the  martyrdom 
of  Abdallah,  “to  whose  death  he  was  consenting  and 
he  related  the  circumstances  to  me  with  many  tears. 

Abdallah  and  Sabat  were  intimate  friends,  and  being 
young  men  of  family  in  Arabia,  they  agreed  to  travel 
together,  and  to  visit  foreign  countries.  They  were 
both  zealous  Mahometans.  Sabat  is  son  of  Ibrahim  Sa- 
bat, a noble  family  of  the  line  of  Beni- Sabat,  who  trace 
their  pedigree  to  Mahomet.  The  two  friends  left  Ara- 
bia, after  paying  their  adorations  at  the  tomb  of  their 
prophet  at  Mecca,  and  travelled  through  Persia,  and 
thence  to  Cabul.  Abdallah  was  appointed  to  an  office 
of  State  under  Zemaun  Shah,  King  of  Cabul  ; and  Sa- 
bat left  him  there,  and  proceeded  on  a tour  through 
Tartary. 

While  Abdallah  remained  at  Cabul,  he  was  convert- 
ed to  the  Christian  faith  by  the  perusal  of  a Bible  (as  is 
supposed)  belonging  to  a Christian  from  Armenia,  then 
residing  at  Cabul. * In  the  Mahometan  states,  it  is 
death  for  a man  of  rank  to  become  a Christian.  Abdal- 
lah endeavoured  for  a time  to  conceal  his  conversion, 
but  finding  it  no  longer  possible,  he  determined  to  flee 
to  some  of  the  Christian  churches  near  the  Caspian  sea. 

He  accordingly  left  Cabul  in  disguise,  and  had  gained 
the  great  city  of  Bochara,  in  Tartary,  when  he  was  met 
in  the  streets  of  that  city  by  his  friend  Sabat,  who  im- 
mediately recognized  him.  Sabat  had  heard  of  his  con- 
version and  flight,  and  was  filled  with  indignation  at  his 
conduct.  Abdallah  knew  his  danger,  and  threw  him- 
self at  the  feet  of  Sabat.  He  confessed  that  he  was  a 
Christian,  and  implored  him  by  the  sacred  tie  of  their 
former  friendship,  to  let  him  escape  with  his  life.  “ But, 
Sir,”  said  Sabat,  when  relating  the  story  himself,  “ I 
“ had  no  pity.  I caused  my  servants  to  seize  him,  and 
“ I delivered  him  up  to  Morad  Shah,  King  of  Bocha- 

* The  Arminian  Christians  in  Persia  have  among’  them  a few  copies  of  the 
Arabic  Bible 


19 


“ ra.  He  was  sentenced  to  die,  and  a herald  went 
“ through  the  city  of  Bochara,  announcing  the  time  of 
“ his  execution.  An  immense  multitude  attended,  and 
“ the  chief  men  of  the  city.  I also  went  and  stood  near 
“ to  Abdallah.  He  was  offered  his  life  if  he  would  ab- 
“ jure  Christ,  the  executioner  standing  by  him  with  his 
*•  sword  in  his  hand.  ‘ No,’  said  he  (as  if  the  proposi- 
“ tion  were  impossible  to  be  complied  with)  ‘ I cannot 
“ abjure  Christ.’  Then  one  of  his  hands  was  cut  off  at 
“ the  wrist.  He  stood  firm,  his  arm  hanging  by  his  side 
“ with  but  little  motion.  A physician,  by  desire  of  the 
“ king,  offered  to  heal  the  wound,  if  he  would  recant. 
“ He  made  no  answer,  but  looked  up  steadfastly  towards 
“ heaven,  like  Stephen  the  first  martyr,  his  eyes  stream- 
“ ing  with  tears.  He  did  not  look  with  anger  towards 
“ me.  He  looked  at  me,  but  it  was  benignly,  and  with 
“ the  countenance  of  forgiveness.  His  other  hand  was 
“ then  cut  off.  But,  Sir,”  said  Sabat,  in  imperfect  Eng- 
lish, “■  he  never  changed,  he  never  changed.  And  when 
“ he  bowed  his  head  to  receive  the  blow  of  death,  all 
“ Bochara  seemed  to  say,  ‘ What  new  thing  is  this  ?’  ” 

Sabat  had  indulged  the  hope  that  Abdallah  would 
have  recanted  when  he  was  offered  his  life ; but  when 
he  saw  that  his  friend  was  dead,  he  resigned  himself  to 
grief  and  remorse.  He  travelled  from  place  to  place, 
seeking  rest,  and  finding  none.  At  last  he  thought  that 
he  would  visit  India.  He  accordingly  came  to  Madras 
about  five  years  ago.  Soon  after  his  arrival,  he  was  ap- 
pointed by  the  English  government  a Mufti,  or  ex- 
pounder of  Mahometan  law  ; his  great  learning,  and  re- 
spectable station  in  his  own  country,  rendering  him  em- 
inently qualified  for  that  office.  And  now  the  period  of 
his  own  conversion  drew  near.  While  he  was  at  Visa- 
gapatam,  in  the  Northern  Circars,  exercising  his  pro- 
fessional duties,  Providence  brought  in  his  way  a new 
Testament  in  Arabic*.  He  read  it  with  deep  thought, 
the  Koran  lying  before  him.  He  compared  them  to- 
gether, and  at  length  the  truth  of  the  word  of  God  fell 

* One  of  those  copies  sent  to  India  by  the  “ Society  for  Promoting1  Chris- 
tian Knowledge.” 


20 


on  his  mind,  as  he  expressed  it,  like  a flood  of  light. 
Soon  afterwards  he  proceeded  to  Madras,  a journey  of 
300  miles,  to  seek  Christian  baptism  ; and  having  made 
a public  confession  of  his  faith,  he  was  baptized  by  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Kerr,  in  the  English  church  at  that  place,  by 
the  name  of  Nathaniel,  in  the  twenty-seventh  year  of  his 

age*  . . ' 

Being  now  desirous  to  devote  his  future  life  to  the 

glory  of  God,  he  resigned  his  secular  employ,  and  came 
by  invitation  to  Bengal,  where  he  is  now  engaged  in 
translating  the  Scriptures  into  the  Persian  language. 
This  work  hath  not  hitherto  been  executed,  for  want  of 
a translator  of  sufficient  ability.  The  Persian  is  an  im- 
portant language  in  the  East,  being  the  general  language 
of  Western  Asia,  particularly  among  the  higher  classes, 
and  is  understood  from  Calcutta  to  Damascus.  But 
the  great  work  which  occupies  the  attention  of  this  no- 
ble Arabian,  is  the  promulgation  of  the  Gospel  among 
his  own  countrymen  ; and  from  the  present  fluctuations 
of  religious  opinion  in  Arabia,  he  is  sanguine  in  his 
hopes  of  success.  His  first  work  is  entitled,  (Neama 
Besharatin  lil  Arabi,)  “ Happy  News  for  Arabia  wri- 
tten in  the  Nabuttee,  or  common  dialect  of  the  coun- 
try. It  contains  an  eloquent  and  argumentative  elucida- 
tion of  the  truth  of  the  Gospel,  with  copious  authorities 
admitted  by  the  Mahometans  themselves,  and  particu- 
larly by  the  Wahabians.  And  prefixed  to  it,  is  an  ac- 
count of  the  conversion  of  the  author,  and  an  appeal  to 
the  members  of  his  well  known  family  in  Arabia,  for 
the  truth  of  the  facts.*. 

* Sabat  is  now  at  Dinaporc,  in  Bengal,  with  the  Rev.  Mr.  Martyn,  'Fel- 
low of  St.  John’s  College,  Cambiidge,  Chaplain  to  the  East-India  Company, 
who  is  well  qualified,  by  his  knowledge  of  the  Arabic  and  Persian  languag- 
es, to  superintend  his  labours.  Mirza  Fitrut,  another  celebrated  Persian 
scholar,  who  visited  England  some  years  ago,  is  engaged  as  the  coadjutor 
of  Sabat  in  his  translation.  Mr.  Martyn  himself  is  translating  the  Scriptures 
into  the  Hindostance  language.  Sabat  soon  afler  his  arrival  in  Bengal,  vis- 
ited the  Baptist  Missionaries  at  Serampore,  and  remained  there  for  two 
months  and  an  half,  that  is,  from  August  to  October,  1807.  Ever  since  that 
period  he  has  been  at  Dinaporc.  Mr.  Martyn,  in  his  latest  letters,  speaks  of 
his  friend  Sabat  in  terms  of  affection  and  admiration.  Sabat  accounted  him- 
self, at  one  time,  the  best  mathematician  and  logician  in  Arabia.  Mr.  Mar- 
tyn was  senior  Wrangler  in  mathematics  at  Cambridge,  in  the  year  1801. 


21 


The  following  circumstance  in  the  history  of  Sabat 
ought  not  to  have  been  omitted.  When  his  family  in 
Arabia  had  heard  that  he  had  followed  the  example  of 
Abdallah,  and  become  a Christian,  they  dispatched  his 
brother  to  India,  (a  voyage  of  two  months,)  to  assassin- 
ate him.  While  Sabat  was  sitting  in  his  house  at  Vis- 
agapatam,  his  brother  presented  himself  in  the  disguise 
of  a Faqucer,  or  beggar,  having  a dagger  concealed  un- 
der his  mantle.  He  rushed  on  Sabat,  and  wounded 
him.  But  Sabat  seized  his  arm,  and  his  servants  came 
to  his  assistance.  He  then  recognized  his  brother. 
The  assassin  would  have  become  the  victim  of  public 
justice,  but  Sabat  interceded  for  his  brother,  and  sent 
him  home  in  peace,  with  letters  and  presents  to  his 
mother’s  house  in  Arabia. 

And  these,  my  brethren,  are  the  instances  I wished 
to  lay  before  you,  of  the  divine  power  of  the  Christian 
religion  recently  exemplified  in  the  East.  The  con- 
versions of  Abdallah  and  Sabat  seem  to  have  been  as 
evidently  produced  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  as  any  con- 
version in  the  primitive  church.  Other  instances  have 
occurred  in  Arabia  of  a similar  kind,  and  on  the  very 
borders  of  Palestine  itself.  These  are  like  the  solitary 
notices  which,  in  other  nations,  have  announced  the  ap- 
proach of  general  illumination.  John  Huss,  and  Jerom 
of  Prague,  were  not,  perhaps,  more  talked  of  in  Europe, 
than  Abdallah  and  Sabat  are  at  this  day  in  Bucharia 
and  Arabia. 

What  conclusion,  then,  shall  we  draw  from  these 
facts  ? It  is  this : that  the  time  for  diffusing  our  religion 
in  the  East  is  come.  We  shall  notice  some  other  partic- 
ulars which  encourage  us  to  think  that  the  time  is  come. 

1.  The  minds  of  good  men  seem  every  where  to  be 
impressed  with  the  duty  of  making  the  attempt. 
Nearly  fifteen  years  have  elapsed  since  it  began,  and 
their  ardour  is  not  abated.  On  the  contrary,  they  gath- 
er strength  as  they  proceed  ; new  instruments  are 
found,  and  liberal  contributions  are  made  by  the  peo- 
ple. Indeed,  the  consciences  of  men  seem  to  bear  wit- 
ness that  the  work  is  of  God. 


22 


The  rapid  success  of  this  undertaking  must  appear 
almost  incredible  to  those  who  are  not  acquainted  with 
the  fact.  Translations  of  the  Scriptures  are  carried  on, 
not  only  in  the  languages  of  India,  Persia,  and  Arabia, 
but  in  those  also  of  Burmah  and  China.  Mount  Cau- 
casus, in  the  interior  of  Asia,  is  another  centre  of  trans- 
lation for  the  East,  particularly  for  the  numerous  na- 
tions of  the  Tartar  race.  The  Scriptures  are  preparing 
for  the  Malayan  isles,  and  for  the  isles  of  the  Pacific 
sea.  The  great  continent  of  Africa  has  become  the 
scene  of  different  missions  and  translations.  North  and 
South  America  are  sending  forth  the  Scriptures.  They 
are  sent  to  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth.  They  have 
been  sent  to  Greenland,  Labrador,  and  Austral  Asia. 
We  might  almost  say,  “ There  is  no  speech  nor  lan- 
“ guage,  where  their  voice  is  not  heard.” 

And  this  spirit,  for  the  diffusion  of  the  truth,  is  not 
confined  to  Britain.  It  is  found  among  good  men  of 
every  Christian  nation.  Perhaps  on  this  day  prayers 
are  offered  up  in  behalf  of  the  work,  in  Europe,  Asia, 
Africa,  and  America.  We  are  encouraged,  then,  to 
believe,  that  the  time  is  come,  in  the  first  place,  by  the 
consent  of  good  men.  When.  I say  good  men,  I mean 
religious  and  devout  men,  whose  minds  are  not  en- 
tirely occupied  with  the  politics  and  affairs  of  this  world, 
but  who  are  “ looking  for  the  consolation  of  Israel as 
it  is  expressed  in  these  words,  “ Thy  kingdom  come.” 

2.  Another  circumstance  indicating  that  the  time  is 
at  hand,  is  the  general  contemplation  of  the  prophecies. 
The  prophecies  of  Scripture  are  at  this  time  pondered 
as  seriously  in  Asia  as  in  Europe.  Even  the  Jews  in 
the  East,  begin  to  study  the  oracles  of  their  prophet 
Isaiah.  And,  what  is  more  important,  the  prophecies 
begin  to  be  published  among  heathen  nations ; and  we 
may  expect  that  every  nation  will  soon  be  able  to  read 
the  divine  decree  concerning  itself. 

3.  The  Holy  Scriptures  are  translating  into  various 
languages. 

When  the  Gospel  was  first  to  be  preached  to  all  na- 
tions, it  was  necessary  to  give  a diversity  of  tongues ; 


23 


a tongue  for  each  nation  ; and  this  was  done  by  the  Di- 
vine Power.  But  in  this  second  promulgation,  us  it 
were,  of  the  Gospel,  the  work  will  probably  be  carried 
on  by  a diversity  of  translations , a diversity  of  Scrip- 
tures ; a translation  for  each  nation.  Instead  of  the  gift 
of  tongues,  God  by  his  Providence,  is  giving  to  man- 
kind a gift  of  Scriptures. 

4.  Another  circumstance,  w hich  seems  to  testify  that 
this  work  is  of  God , is  the  commotion  in  the  bands  of 
Infidelity  against  it.  “ Herod  is  troubled,  and  all  Jeru- 
“ salem  with  him.”  A spirit  hath  issued  from  the 
mouth  of  infidelity,  which  rageth  against  Him  whose 
Star  appeared  in  the  East,  and  would  destroy  the  work 
in  its  infancy.  It  rageth  not  against  the  Romish  Church 
in  the  East,  though  that  be  Christian ; nor  against  the 
Arminian  Church  in  the  East,  though  tiiat  be  Christ- 
ian ; nor  against  the  Greek  Church  in  the  East,  though 
that  be  Christian ; but  it  rageth  against  the  religion  of 
the  New  Testament,  that  vital  religion  which  aims  at  the 
conversion  of  the  hearts  of  men. 

Our  Saviour  hath  said,  “ The  Gospel  shall  be  pub- 
“ lished  among  all  nations.”  But  these  resist  the  Di- 
vine Word,  and  say  it  cannot  be  published  in  all  na- 
tions. Our  Lord  hath  said,  “ Go  ye  into  all  the  world, 
“ and  preach  the  Gospel  to  every  creature.”  But  these 
alledge  that  the  Gospel  cannot  be  preached  to  every 
creature,  for  that  “ the  bond  of  superstition  is  too  strong, 
“or  that  the  influence  of  Christianity  is  too  weak.” 

These  are  unguarded  words,  and  ought  not  to  be 
heard  in  a Christian  country.  These  are  presumptuous 
words,  arraigning  the  dispensation  of  the  Most  High. 
Such  words  as  these,  were  once  spoken  by  the  philoso- 
phers of  Greece  and  Rome,  but  the  Gospel  prevailed, 
and  first  erected  its  dominion  among  them.  In  process 
of  time  the  barbarous  nations  of  Europe  yielded  to  its 
sway,  of  which  we  are  evidences  at  this  day.  And  the 
nations  of  Asia  will  yield  to  the  same  power,  and  the 
truth  will  prevail,  and  the  Gospel  shall  be  preached  over 
the  whole  world. 

5.  The  last  circumstance  which  we  shall  mention,  as 


24 


indicating  that  the  period  is  come  for  diffusing  the 
Light  of  Revelation,  is  the  revolution  of  nations , and 
“ the  signs  of  the  times.” 

Men  of  serious  minds,  who  are  erudite  in  Holy 
Scripture,  and  in  the  history  of  the  world,  look  for- 
ward to  great  events.  They  judge  of  the  future  from 
the  past.  They  have  seen  great  events ; events  which, 
twenty  years  ago,  would  have  appeared  as  incredible  as 
the  conversion  of  the  whole  world  to  Christianity. 

At  no  former  period  have  the  judgments  of  heaven 
been  so  evidently  directed  against  the  nations  which  are 
called  Christian  as  at  this  day.  It  is  manifest  that  God 
hath  a controversy  with  his  people,  whatever  be  the 
cause.  The  heathen  world  enjoys  a comparative  tran- 
quillity. But  Christian  nations  are  visited  in  quick  suc- 
cession by  his  awful  judgments.  What,  then,  is  the 
cause  of  the  judgments  of  God  on  his  Christian  people  ? 

If  we  believe  the  declarations  of  God,  in  his  Holy 
Word,  we  shall  ascribe  the  judgment  of  Christian  na- 
tions, at  this  day,  to  their  rejecting  so  generally,  the  tes- 
timony of  Christ.  That  nation  which  first  “ denied  his 
“ name  before  men,”  was  first  given  up  to  suffer  terri- 
ble judgments  itself,  and  is  now  permitted  to  become 
the  instrument  of  inflicting  judgments  on  others.  And 
this  is  agreeable  to  the  ordinary  course  of  God’s  just 
and  retributive  Providence.  That  kingdom  which  first 
seduced  others  by  its  infidelity,  is  now  become  the  in- 
strument of  their  punishment.  The  same  retributive 
Providence  is  “ making  inquisition  for  the  blood  of  the 
“ Saints.”  The  massacres,  fires,  and  anathemas  of  a 
former  day,  filled  the  minds  of  men  with  dismay.  JVe 
forget  these  scenes,  but  all  things  are  present  with  God. 
And  as  a nation  cannot  be  punished  as  a nation  in  the 
next  world  for  its  iniquity,  it  must  be  punished  in  this 
world ; and  its  “ sins  will  be  visited  to  the  third  and 
fourth  generation.”  For  a long  time,  (as  men  count 
time)  God  kept  silence  ; but  the  day  of  retribution  is 
come  at  last,  and  the  seats  of  the  inquisition  must  be 
purged  with  blood. 

From  the  fury  of  these  desolating  judgments  we  have 


25 


hitherto  been  preserved.  “ Righteousness  exalteth  a 
“ nation.”  (Prov.  xvi.  24.)  It  would  appear  as  if  God 
would  thus  do  honour  to  a Church  holding  pure  doc- 
trine, and  to  a State  united  with  that  Church  which  hath 
defended  the  true  Faith,  amidst  the  superstitions  and 
corruptions  which  have  so  long  reigned  in  the  Christian 
world.  Latterly,  indeed,  it  should  seem  as  if  God  had 
selected  this  nation,  as  formerly  his  chosen  people  Israel, 
to  preserve  among  men  a knowledge  of  the  true  reli- 
gion ; for  we  have  been  called  to  stand  up,  as  it  were, 
“ between  the  living  and  the  dead,”  in  defence  of  Christ- 
ian principles.  And  although  it  be  true  that  we  have 
fought  rather  for  our  country  than  for  our  religion,  yet 
it  is  also  true  that  religion  is,  in  present  circumstances, 
identified,  in  a certain  degree,  with  the  existence  of  our 
country.  And  we  trust,  that  it  is  in  the  purpose  of  Pro- 
vidence, by  saving  the  one,  to  save  the  other  also. 

Let  this  nation,  then,  weigh  well  what  it  is,  in  God’s 
moral  administration  of  the  world,  which  saves  her  at 
this  period.  Let  her  beware  of  infidelity,  and  of  that 
moral  taint  which  ever  accompanies  it.  Is  it  true  that 
any  of  our  chief  men  begin  to  “ laugh  at  vice,”  like 
Voltaire  ! Let  us  recall  to  view  the  experience  of 
France.  We  beheld  infidelity  gradually  infecting  that 
nation,  even  as  poison  passeth  through  the  human  frame, 
till  the  whole  body  of  the  great  was  saturated.  Then 
was  their  iniquity  full,  and  God’s  judgment  began. 
Now,  though  it  be  true  that  the  faith  of  our  Church  is 
pure,  that  “ she  holdeth  the  head,”  that  she  is  founded 
on  the  Prophets,  Evangelists,  and  Apostles ; though  it 
be  true  that  there  is  in  the  midst  of  her  a large  body  of 
righteous  persons,  men  possessing  sound  learning,  en- 
lightened zeal,  and  pure  charity ; men  who  are  called 
by  our  Saviour  “ the  light  of  the  world,”  and  “ the  salt 
of  the  earth  ;”  yet  it  is  equally  certain  that  the  greater 
part  of  her  members  are  not  of  that  description.  It  is 
certain  that  the  spot  of  moral  disease  begins  to  be  visi- 
ble at  a distance.  And  we  know  not  but  that  the  true 
state  of  the  nation  may  be  this,  that  there  is  just  “ salt” 
enough,  to  use  the  figure  of  the  gospel,  to  preserve  the 
body  from  corruption. 

4 


26 


Let  us  then  weigh  well  what  it  is  which,  in  the  pres- 
ent circumstances  of  the  world,  saves  this  nation.  If  it 
be  the  divine  pleasure  to  save  us,  while  other  nations  are 
destroyed,  it  cannot  be  on  account  of  the  greatness  of 
our  empire , or  of  our  dominion  by  sea , or  of  our  extend- 
ed commerce.  For  why  should  the  moral  governor  of 
the  world  respect  such  circumstances  as  these  ? But  if 
we  are  spared,  it  will  be,  we  believe,  on  account  of  our 
maintaining  the  pure  religion  of  Christ  as  the  religion  of 
our  land,  and  of  our  promoting  the  knowledge  of  that  re- 
ligion, and  of  the  blessed  principles  which  accompany  it, 
throughout  the  rest  of  the  world.  This  may  be  a con- 
sideration worthy  of  divine  regard.  And  this,  though 
it  be  no  pledge  of  our  duration,  is  the  chief  assurance  of 
our  perpetuity.  On  this  chiefly  (viz.  our  being  an  in- 
strument of  good  to  the  world,)  must  depend  our  hope 
of  surviving  the  shocks  and  convulsions  which  are  now 
overwhelming  the  other  nations  of  Europe. 

Let  us  now  recapitulate  the  evidences  noticed  in  this 
discourse,  which  encourage  us  to  believe  that  the  time 
is  come  for  disseminating  the  knowledge  of  Christianity 
in  the  heathen  world. 

1.  The  facility  with  which  Christianity  is  propagated 
generally  in  Asia,  wherever  the  attempt  has  been  made. 

2.  The  peculiar  success  that  has  attended  our  own 
endeavors  to  promote  the  religion  of  the  Bible. 

3.  The  conversion  of  Illustrious  persons  in  Asia,  by 
means  of  the  Bible  alone. 

4.  The  translation  of  the  Bible  into  almost  all  the  lan- 
guages of  Asia : promising,  as  it  were,  a second  pro- 
mulgation of  Christianity  to  the  East. 

5.  The  general  contemplation  of  the  prophecies  in 
Europe  and  Asia. 

6.  The  general  commotion  among  the  bands  of  Infi- 
delity, who  are  hostile  to  the  design,  both  in  Europe  and 
Asia. 

7.  The  consent  of  good  men,  in  all  Christian  na- 
tions to  promote  the  design.  And 

8.  The  preservation  of  our  own  country,  to  carry 
on  the  work,  amidst  the  ruin  or  infidelity  of  other  na- 
tions. 


27 


Behold,  then,  my  brethren,  the  great  undertaking  for 
the  promotion  of  which  you  are  now  assembled.  If  it 
were  in  the  power  of  this  assembly  to  diffuse  the  bless- 
ings of  religion  over  the  whole  world,  would  it  not  be 
done  ? Would  not  all  nations  be  blessed  ? You  per- 
ceive that  some  take  a lively  interest  in  this  subject, 
while  others  are  less  concerned.  What  is  the  reason  of 
this  difference  ? It  is  this  : Every  man,  who  hath  felt  the 
influence  of  religion  on  his  own  heart,  will  desire  to  ex- 
tend the  blessings  to  the  rest  of  mankind;  and  no  one 
who  hath  lived  without  a concern  about  religion,  will  be 
solicitous  to  communicate  to  others  a gift  which  he 
values  not  himself.  At  the  same  time,  perhaps,  he  is  not 
willing  to  be  thought  hostile  to  the  work.  But  there  is 
no  neutrality  here.  “ He  that  is  not  with  Christ,”  in 
maintaining  his  kingdom  on  earth,  “ is  against  Him.” 
And  so  it  appearethto  “ God,  who  searcheth  the  heart.” 
Every  one  of  us  is  now  acting  a part  in  regard  to  this 
matter,  for  which  he  must  give  an  account  hereafter. 
There  is  no  one,  however  peculiar  he  may  reckon  his 
situation  or  circumstances,  who  is  exempted  from  this 
responsibility.  For  this  is  the  criterion  of  obedience  in 
the  sight  of  God,  even  our  conduct  in  receiving  or  re- 
jecting the  “ record  which  God  hath  given  of  his  Son.” 
And  no  man  “ receiveth  this  record”  in  sincerity  and 
truth,  who  will  not  desire  to  make  it  known  to  others. 
You  have  heard  of  the  conversior  of  Mahometans  and 
Hindoos.  Yes,  our  Lord  hatn  said,  “ Many  shall  come 
“ from  the  East  and  from  the  West,  and  shall  sit  down 
“ with  Abraham  and  Isaac  and  Jacob,  in  the  kingdom 
4t  of  Heaven  ; but  the  children  of  the  kingdom  shall  be 
“ cast  out.” 

Begin,  then,  at  this  time,  the  solemn  inquiry,  not 
merely  into  the  general  truth  of  Christ’s  religion,  but 
into  its  divine  and  converting  power.  You  observe  that 
in  this  discourse  I have  distinguished  between  the  name 
of  Christianity  and  the  thing.  For  it  seems  there  are 
some  who  have  departed  from  the  ancient  principles  of 
our  reformation,  who  admit  the  existence  of  the  Spirit 
of  God,  but  deny  his  influence  ; who  agree  not  with  the 
Apostle  Paul,  that  the  “ Gospel  cometh  to  some  in  -word 


28 


“ only,”  and  to  others  “ in  power , and  in  the  Holy 
“ Ghost,  and  in  much  assurance  and  who  seem  to 
forget  what  our  Saviour  hath  said  of  the  “ broad  road” 
and  the  “ narrow  way.”  Begin  then,  the  important 
inquiry ; for  “ the  time  is  short,”  and  this  question  will 
soon  be  brought  to  issue  before  an  assembled  world.  In 
the  mean  time  I shall  offer  to  you  my  testimony  on  this 
subject. 

The  operation  of  the  grace  of  God,  in  “ renewing  a 
“ right  spirit  within  us,”  (Ps.  li.)  is  a doctrine  professed 
by  the  whole  faithful  Church  of  Christ  militant  here  on 
earth.  The  great  author  of  our  religion,  hath  himself 
delivered  the  doctrine,  in  the  most  solemn  manner  to 
the  world.  “ Verily,  verily,  I say  unto  you,  Except  a 
man  be  bom  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God.” 
V ?rily,  V erily : it  is  an  undoubted  truth,  an  unchange- 
able principle  of  the  heavenly  dispensation,  that,  except 
a man  be  renewed  in  mind,  by  the  Spirit  of  God,  he 
shall  not  have  power  even  to  see  or  behold  the  king- 
dom of  God.  What  though  many  in  our  day  deny 
this  doctrine  ? A whole  nation  denied  a doctrine  great- 
er, if  possible,  than  this.  The  very  name  and  religion  of 
Christ  have  been  denied  in  our  time.  But  if  our  Sav- 
iour hath  declared  any  one  doctrine  of  the  Gospel  more 
clearly  than  another,  it  is  this  of  a spiritual  conversion ; 
and  the  demonstration  of  its  truth  is  found  in  all  lands 
where  his  gospel  is  known*.  Christians,  differing  in 
almost  every  thing  else,  agree  in  this.  Differing  in 
language,  customs,  colour,  and  in  country ; differing  in 
forms  of  worship  and  Church  government,  in  external 
rights  and  internal  order  ; they  yet  agree  in  the  docu  ine 

* The  late  learned  and  judicious  Paley  has  given  his  dying  testimony  to 
the  truth  of  this  doctrine.  (See  his  Sermons,  p.  119.)  “ A change  so  en- 

“ tire,  so  deep,  so  important  as  this,  I do  allow  to  be  a conversion  ; (lie 
“ had  said  before,  ‘ there  must  be  a revolution  of  principle  ; there  must  be 
“ a revolution  within ;’)  and  no  one  who  is  in  the  situation  above  described, 
“ can  be  saved,  without  undergoing  it  ; and  he  must  necessarily  both  be 
“ sensible  of  it  at  the  time,  and  remember  it  all  his  life  afterwards.  It  is 
“ too  momentous  an  event  ever  to  be  forgot.  A man  might  as  easily  forget 
“ his  escape  from  ship-wreck.  Whether  it  was  sudden,  or  whether  it  was 
“ gradual,  if  it  was  effected  (and  the  fruits  will  prove  that,)  it  was  a true 
“ conversion  ; and  every  such  person  may  justly,  both  believe,  and  say  it  him- 
“ self,  that  he  was  converted  at  a particular  assignable  time.” 

Paley  here  speaks  the  language  of  the  true  Church  of  Christ  in  all  ages 
and  nations. 


2 9 


of  a change  of  heart,  through  faith  in  Christ ; for  this 
hath  been  the  grand  characteristic  of  Christ’s  religion 
among  all  nations,  tongues,  and  kindreds,  where  the 
gospel  hath  been  preached,  through  all  ages  down  to 
this  day.  This  is,  in  fact,  that  which  distinguishes  the 
religion  of  God  in  Asia,  from  the  religions  of  men.  In 
every  part  of  the  earth  where  I myself  have  been,  this 
doctrine  is  proclaimed,  as  the  hope  of  the  sinner  and  the 
glory  of  the  Saviour.  And  again,  in  every  place  it  is 
opposed  in  a greater  or  less  degree,  by  the  same  evil 
passions  of  the  human  heart.  In  rude  nations,  the  same 
arguments  are  brought  against  it,  in  substance,  which 
are  used  here  in  a learned  country.  Among  ignorant 
nations,  a term  of  reproach  is  attached  to  serious  piety, 
even  as  it  is  here  among  a refined  people  ; thereby  prov- 
ing what  our  Lord  hath  taught,  That  the  superiour  good- 
ness inculcated  by  his  Gospel  would  not  be  agreeable 
to  all  men  ; and  that  some  “ would  revile  and  speak  evil 
“of  his  disciples,  for  righteousness’  sake;”  thereby 
proving  what  the  Apostle  Paul  hath  taught,  That  “ the 
“ Cross  of  Christ  is  an  ofience”  to  the  natural  pride  of 
the  human  heart ; that  “ the  carnal  mind  is  enmity 
“ against  God and  that  “the  natural  man  receiveth 
“ not  the  things  of  the  Spirit  of  God,  because  the^  are 
“ spiritually  discerned.” 

I have  thought  it  right,  my  brethren,  to  deliver  to 
you  my  testimony  at  this  time  ; to  assure  you  that  the 
Gospel  which  begins  to  enlighten  the  East,  is  not  “ an- 
“ other  Gospel,”  as  the  Apostle  speaks,  but  the  same 
as  your  own.  There  is  one  Sun  ; there  is  one  Gospel. 
“ There  is  one  Lord,  one  Faith,  one  Baptism  and 
there  is  one  Judgment.  May  we  be  all  prepared  to 
give  our  answer  on  that  day  ! 

My  brethren,  you  are  now  invited  to  contribute  some 
aid  toward  the  extension  of  the  religion  of  Christ.  You 
are  now  called  on  to  give  your  testimony  to  its  truth. 
You  are  now,  as  it  were,  to  present  “ your  gifts”  before 
Him  who  was  born  Saviour  of  the  world  ; and  to  send 
back  those  “ glad  tidings”  to  the  East,  which  the  East 
once  sent  to  you,  namely,  that  the  Light  is  come,  that 
“ the  Desire  of  all  nations  is  come.”  Let  every  one 


30 


who  prays  with  his  lips,  “Thy  kingdom  come,”  prove  te 
himself,  at  this  time,  his  own  sincerity,  that  he  really  de- 
sires in  his  heart  that  the  kingdom  of  Christ  should 
come.  Blessed  is  the  man  who  accounts  it  not  only  a 
duty,  but  a privilege  to  dispense  “ the  word  of  Life” 
amongst  his  fellow-men.  It  is,  indeed,  a privilege,  and 
so  you  will  account  it  hereafter,  when  you  shall  behold 
all  nations  assembled  before  the  judgment- seat  of  Christ. 
You  will  then  reflect  with  joy  that  you  are  enabled,  at 
this  time,  “ to  confess  his  name  before  men,”  and  to  af- 
ford some  aid  for  the  “ increase  of  his  government”  and 
glory  upon  earth.  And  let  every  one  who  lends  this 
aid  accompany  it  with  prayer,  that  the  act  may  be  bless- 
ed to  himself  in  awakening  his  mind  more  fully  to  the 
unutterable  importance  of  the  everlasting  Gospel. 


APPENDIX. 


INTERESTING  INTELLIGENCE  FROM  INDIA. 

From,  the  London  Evangelical  Magazine- 

A letter  has  been  received  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Ringcltaube,  to 
the  Secretary,  dated  Palanicotta,  Feb.  7,  1807.  He  has  acquir- 
ed the  language  so  as  to  write  it  correctly,  and  speak  it  with  but 
little  hesitation. 

Mr.  Ringeltaube  has  also  sent  his  journal,  from  Sep.  12,  1 806,  to 
Feb.  6,  1807  He  mentions  that  Dr.  Buchanan  had  requested  the 
loan  of  his  Bible  in  the  Tamul  language,  as  he  was  about  to  com- 
mence the  Malayalam  translation  of  the  Scriptures  immediately, 
there  being  200.000  Christians  in  Malayalam,  who  are  ready  to  re- 
ceive it.  Even  the  Romish  bishop,  it  is  said,  signified  his  consent  to 
the  circulation  of  the  S riptures  among  his  people.  The  Doctor 
observes  in  his  letter  to  Mr.  Ringeltaube,  that  he  has  had  singular 
success  in  obtaining  ancient  manuscripts,  in  Hebrew,  Syriac,  Sec. 
Mr.  R.  greatly  rejoiced  at  this  good  news  ; and  sent  him  his  only 
copy  of  that  Bible  without  delay. 

Ecclesiastical  Antiquities  in  India. 

[We  have  been  favoured  by  a respectable  correspondent  in  India, 
with  a copy  of  a Report,  presented  by  a pious  clergyman,  at  the 
request  of  the  Governor  of  Madras,  concerning  the  state  of  the  an- 
cient Christians  in  Cochin  and  Travancore.  This  Report  is  so 
curious  and  so  interesting,  that  we  shall  give  the  whole  of  it  to 
our  readers,  assured  that  they  will  esteem  it,  as  we  do,  a most 
valuable  and  important  document.  It  is  followed  by  an  account 
of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Buchanan’s  discoveries.] 

REPORT  of  the  Senior  Chaplain  of  Fort  St.  George,  to  the  Right 
Honourable  Lord  William  Bentinck,  Governor  of  Madras,  on  the 
state  of  the  Christians  inhabiting  the  kingdoms  of  Cochin  and 
Travancore  ; with  an  article  of  interesting  literary  intelligence, 
containing  an  account  of  the  discoveries  made  by  the  Rev.  Dr. 
Buchanan,  in  the  course  of  his  investigations  undertaken  by  or- 
der of  the  supreme  government  in  Bengal. 

“ Public  Department. 

“ To  the  Rev.  Dr.  Kerr,  Setiior  Chaplain  of  Fort  St.  George. 

“ Rev.  Sir, 

“ The  Right  Honourable  the  Governour  in  Council,  being 
“ desirous  of  availing  himself  of  your  vicinity  to  the  Malabar  coast, 
“ to  obtain  every  possible  information  in  regard  to  the  establish- 
“ ment,  &c.  of  the  Christian  Religion  in  that  part  of  the  peninsula, 


32 


u I am  directed  by  his  lordship  in  council,  to  desire  that  so  soon  as 
“ the  state  of  your  health  and  the  season  will  permit,  you  will  pro- 
“ ceed  to  the  provinces  on  that  coast  ; and  you  will  forward  to  me, 
“ for  the  information  of  government,  such  accounts  as  you  may  be 
“ able  to  collect,  of  the  first  introduction  of  Christianity  into  India — 
“ of  the  arrival  of  the  different  sects  who  have  been  or  may  be,  in 
“ existence— -of  their  general  history,  and  of  the  persecutions  to 
“ which  they  may  have  been  exposed — of  their  success  in  making 
“ proselytes — of  their  church  establishment,  and  of  the  source  from 
“ wnich  they  are  maintained,  and  with  all  other  circumstances  con- 
“ nected  witn  this  important  subject. 

“ I have  the  honour  to  be,  Rev.  Sir, 

“ Your  most  obedient  humble  Servant, 

-Fort  St.  George,  ( Signed ) G.  G.  KEBLE, 

June  28,  1806.”  Sec.  to  Government. 

t£  To  the  Right  Honourable  Lord  William  C.  Bentinck , Governour  in 
Council,  isfc.  is'c. 

“ My  Lord, 

“ When  at  Mysore,  I was  honoured  by  the  receipt  of  Mr. 
secretary  Keble’s  letter,  dated  the  28th  June  last ; and  finding  my 
general  health  mucn  improved,  I resolved  to  proceed  to  the  Mala- 
bar coast,  in  search  of  the  information  required  by  your  lordship 
in  council,  regarding  the  Christians  inhabiting  that  part  of  the  pe- 
ninsula : — an  investigation,  which  I have  found  as  interesting  as  it 
is  important,  whether  it  regards  humanity  at  large,  or  as  it  is  con- 
nected, in  a political  view,  with  the  British  interests  in  this  country. 

“ To  view  the  extensive  field  pointed  out  for  my  enquiries  mi- 
nutely, would  require  much  more  of  my  time  than  could  be  well 
spared  from  my  other  public  avocations  : and  as  I learned  that  the 
Rev.  Dr.  Buchanan  was  nominated  by  the  government  of  Bengal, 
to  travel  over  the  same  ground,  for  purposes  somewhat  similar, 
I did  not  think  it  incumbent  on  me  to  take  up  more  than  a general 
view  of  the  subject,  and  I directed  my  attention  accordingly,  not 
so  much  to  details  as  to  matters  of  comprehensive  import. 

“ The  first  object  to  which  the  orders  of  government  refer,  is,  to 
an  account  of  the  introduction  of  Christianity  into  this  country. 

“ There  can  be  no  doubt  whatever,  that  the  St.  Thome  Chris- 
tians settled  on  the  Malabar  coast  at  a very  early  period  of  the 
Christian  church  ; from  whence  they,  at  one  time,  spread  in  vari- 
ous directions  as  far  even  as  Mileapoor,  and  St.  Thomas’s  Mount ; 
— but  to  derive  authentic  information  as  to  the  time  of  their  arrival, 
is  at  present  no  easy  task. 

“ From  the  confusion  arising  from  the  imperfection  of  Hindoo 
chronology,  from  the  desire  which  these  Christians  have  to  derive 
their  origin  from  the  earliest  possible  times,  (which  may  perhaps 
have  introduced  false  traditions  among  them)  and  as  all  their  authen- 
tic records  are  reported  to  have  been  destroyed  during  the  perse- 
cutions of  the  church  of  Rome  ; from  all  these  circumstances, 
whether  we  refer  to  the  Hindoo  accounts,  to  the  St.  Thome  Chris- 


33 


tians  themselves,  or  to  their  persecutors,  the  Roman  Catholics,  we 
are  not  likely  to  arrive  at  any  certain  conclusion  as  to  the  exact 
time  of  their  establishment  in  Malabar.  Some  circumstances,  how- 
ever, may  be  collected  from  undoubted  authority,  by  which  it 
may  be  inferred,  that  they  have  been  for  nearly  fifteen  centuries 
established  in  India  ; for  we  find,  in  ecclesiastical  history,  that  at 
the  first  council  at  Nice,  in  the  year  325,  a bishop  from  India  was 
among  the  number  composing  that  memorable  synod  ; and,  in  the 
creeds  and  doctrines  of  the  Christians  of  Malabar,  internal  evi- 
dence exists  of  their  being  a primitive  church  ; for  the  supremacy 
of  the  Pope  is  denied,  and  the  doctrine  of  Transubstantiation  nev- 
er has  been  held  by  them  ; and  they  regarded,  and  still  regard  the 
worship  of  images  as  idolatrous,  and  the  doctrine  of  purgatory  to 
be  fabulous  : — moreover,  they  never  admitted  as  sacraments,  ex- 
treme unction,  marriage,  or  confirmation  : all  which  facts  may  be 
substantiated  on  reference  to  the  acts  of  the  Synod  established  by 
Don  Alexis  de  Meneses,  archbishop  of  Goa,  at  Udiamper,  in  the 
year  1599. 

“ The  history  of  this  council  will  be  found  most  ably  detailed  in 
a work  printed  in  French,  and  entitled,  “ The  history  of  Christian- 
ity in  India,”  published  at  the  Hague,  in  the  year  1724,  by  La 
Croze,  the  celebrated  librarian  to  the  king  of  Prussia. 

“ The  object  of  this  work  was  to  deduce,  from  authentic  materials, 
the  rise,  progress,  and  establishment  of  Christianity  in  the  East  ; 
and  to  hold  up  to  disgrace,  and  to  merited  indignation,  the  bigotted 
and  unworthy  conduct  of  the  Roman  Catholic  church,  in  the  per- 
secution set  on  foot  by  her  emissaries,  under  her  avowed  sanction, 
against  the  primitive  Christians,  who  were  found  settled  on  the 
coast  of  Malabar  ; and  La  Croze  seems  to  have  discharged  his  du- 
ty to  the  public  in  a most  faithful,  interesting,  and  able  manner. 

“ When  the  Portuguese  first  arrived  in  this  country,  in  the  be- 
ginning of  the  sixteenth  century,  they  found  a Christian  church 
using  the  Syrio-Chaldaic  language,  established  in  the  neighbour- 
hood of  Cra.nganore  ; and,  though  it  was  published  to  the  world 
many  centuries  before  that  period,  that  such  a church  existed,  yet 
we  find  their  ignorance  expressed  in  the  wonder  which  it  excited. 

“ These  Christians  met  the  Portuguese  as  natural  friends  and 
allies,  and  rejoiced  at  their  coming  ; but  the  Portuguese  were 
much  disappointed  at  finding  the  St.  Thome  Christians  firmly  fix- 
ed in  the  tenets  of  a primitive  church  ; and  soon  adopted  plans 
for  drawing  away  from  their  pure  faith  this  innocent,  ingenuous, 
and  respectable  people  : however,  after  using  for  nearly  a century, 
all  the  customary  arts  and  abominable  persecutions  of  the  church 
of  Rome  to  no  purpose,  Don  Alexis  De  Meneses,  the  archbish'op 
of  Goa,  appeared  amongst  them  ; and,  by  his  commanding  influ- 
ence, his  zeal,  and  his  learning,  and  on  the  authority  of  what  he 
called  the  Council  of  Udiamper,  forced  the  Syrian  Metropolitan, 
his  priests,  and  people,  into  the  Roman  pale.  The  Archbishop, 
however,  had  not  long  quitted  the  scene  of  his  triumph  of  bigotry, 
ere  the  people  sighed  for  their  old  religion,  and  cherished  it  in  pri- 
5 


34 


vate  ; but  on  the  22d  of  May,  1653,  they  held  a congress  at  Alin- 
gatte,  and  great  numbers,  headed  by  their  Metropolitan,  revolted 
publicly  from  the  Romish  communion  ; nor  has  all  the  influence 
of  the  Roman  Pontiff,  and  the  kings  of  Portugal,  been  able  to  draw 
them  away  again  from  their  old  faith. 

“ Leaving  the  history  of  this  interesting  people,  which  is  affec- 
tingly  delineated  in  La  Croze’s  book,  I shall,  in  this  report,  confine 
myself  more  particularly  to  the  existing  state  of  Christianity  in 
Malabar  ; and,  in  order  that  your  lordship  may  have  the  subject 
clearly  before  you,  I shall  consider  each  sect  of  Christians  by  itself, 
under  the  head  of,  1st,  St.  Thome,  or  Jacobite  Christians  ; — 2dly, 
The  Syrian  Catholics,  who  have  been  forced  from  the  Jacobite 
Church  into  the  Romish  pale  ; and,  3dly,  The  Latin  Church. 

* St.  Thome,  or  Jacobite  Christians. 

u These  people,  who  still  retain  their  ancient  creed  and  usages, 
consider  themselves  as  the  descendants  of  the  flock  established  by 
St.  Thomas,  who  is  generally  esteemed  the  Apostle  of  the  East. 
Their  ancestors  emigrated  from  Syria,  and  the  Syrio-Chaldaic  is 
the  language  in  which  their  church  service  is  still  performed. 
They  admit  no  images  within  their  churches,  but  a figure  of  the 
Virgin  Mary  with  the  child  Jesus  in  her  arms,  which  is  consider- 
ed merely  as  an  ornament,  and  not  as  a subject  for  idolatrous  wor- 
ship. They  are  generally  denominated  by  the  country  people, 
Nazaranee  Mapiles.  Nazaranee  is  obviously  derived  from  Naza- 
reth ; but  the  origin  of  the  word  Majiillah  is  variouly  accounted 
for  ; — by  some  it  is  ingeniously  supposed  to  refer  to  the  Virgin 
and  Child,  the  only  image  admitted  within  their  churches  ; as  Ma 
implies  Mother , in  the  various  languages,  derived  from  the  Sung- 
scrit  ; and  Pillah,  Child.  Others  again,  construe  the  term  to  in- 
dicate the  rank  originally  conferred  on  these  Christians  by  the  sov- 
ereign of  Malabar.  Poolah  signifies  a class,  in  a state  synonymous 
with  our  secretaries.  Ma  or  Malta  signifies  great  or  superior. 
The  term  Mapillah  is  discriminately  applied  to  Jews  and  Mus- 
selmen  as  to  these  Christians,  distinguishing  each  by  the  prefix  of 
the  Jew,  Syrian,  or  Nazaranee,  or  Musselman. 

“ It  is  certain  that  grants  of  honour  and  emolument  were  form- 
erly possessed  by  these  Christians,  given  to  them  by  a king  of  Mal- 
abar, named  Peremaul,  engraven  on  copper,  five  of  which  en- 
gravings are  still  in  existence  ; a facsimile  of  which  I have  seen  in 
the  possession  of  the  Resident  of  Travancore. 

“ It  has  been  long  believed,  that  these  Christians  held  the  ten- 
ets of  the  Nestorian  heresy,  and  that  they  were  obliged  to  leave 
their  own  country  in  consequence  of  persecutions  : however,  it  ap- 
pears that  the  creed  which  they  now  follow  denies  that  heresy,  and 
seems  to  coincide  in  several  points  with  the  creed  of  St.  Athanasi- 
us, but  without  its  damnatory  clauses. 

“ Baron  Von  Wrede  has  written  a memoir  on  the  subject  of 
these  Christians,  which  appeared  in  the  7th  volume  of  the  Asiatic. 


35 


Researches,  and  which  has  the  merit  of  calling  our  attention  to  these 
people  ; though  it  is  no  better  than  a lame  transcript  of  informa- 
tion, which  may  be  fully  and  satisfactorily  obtained  in  La  Croze’s 
book,  from  whence  every  material  part  ol  that  memoir  is  obviously 
taken:  indeed,  wherever  the  Baron  departs  from  his  author,  he 
becomes  less  interesting,  or  misleads  his  reader.  That  the  Chris- 
tians in  Malabar  were  early  taught  the  tenets  of  Nestorius,  is  prov- 
ed by  La  Croze,  on  the  direct  authority  of  Cosmas,  an  Egyptian 
merchant,  (himself  a Nestorian,)  who  published  his  voyage  to  India 
in  the  year  547.  It  seems,  however,  not  improbable  that  Christians 
had  been  planted  in  these  shores,  long  before  the  time  of  Nestorius  : 
and  I am  inclined  to  regard  the  tradition  of  its  having  spread  hither 
in  the  age  of  the  Apostles,  as  very  far  from  fabulous.* 

“ With  respect  to  their  religious  tenets,  writers  may  and  will 
disagree  : upon  such  subjects  human  reason  avails  nothing.  The 
disputes  which  on  these  points  have  agitated  the  world,  arc  in  gen- 
eral no  better  than  the  perverse  offspring  of  verbal  differences. 

“ The  following  is  a version  of  the  present  creed  of  these  peo- 
ple, being  a written  communication  from  the  Metropolitan  to  the 
Resident  at  Travancore  : 

“ In  the  name  of  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  We,  the 
“ Christians,  believers  in  the  religion  of  Jesus  Christ,  subject  to  the 
“ jurisdiction  of  Mar  Ignatius,  patriarch  of  Antioch,  being  loyalf 
“ Jacobians,  hold  the  following  creed  : 

“ We  believe  in  the  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost,  three  Persons 
“ in  one  God,  neither  confounding  the  persons,  nor  dividing  the 
u substance,  one  in  three,  and  three  in  one. 

* Eusebius  informs  us,  that  there  were  Christians  in  India  as  early  as  the 
year  189,  who  had  the  Gospel  of  St.  Mathew  in  Hebrew,  which  they  declar- 
ed was  received  from  St.  Bartholomew. 

f Eastern  Christians,  who  renounce  the  communion  of  the  Greek  church, 
who  differ  from  it  both  in  doctrine  and  worship,  may  be  comprehended  un- 
der two  distinct  classes.  To  the  former  belong  the  Monophysites,  or  Jaco- 
bites, so  called  from  Jacob  Albardai,  who  declare  it  as  their  opinion  that, 
in  the  Saviour  of  the  world  there  is  only  one  nature  ; while  the  latter  com- 
prehends the  followers  of  Nestorius,  frequently  called  Chaldeans,  from  the 
country  where  they  principally  reside,  and  who  suppose  that  there  are  two 
distinct  persons  or  natures  in  the  Son  of  God.  The  Monophysites  are  subdi- 
vided into  two  sects  or  parties,  the  one  African  and  the  other  Asiatic.  At 
the  head  of  the  Asiatics  is  the  patriarch  of  Antioch,  who  resides  for  the 
most  part  in  the  monastery  of  St.  Ananias,  which  is  situated  near  the  city  of 
Merdin,  and  sometimes  at  Merdin,  his  episcopal  seat ; as  also  at  Amida, 
Aleppo,  and  other  Syrian  cities.  The  government  of  this  prelate  is  too 
extensive,  and  the  churches  over  which  he  presides  too  numerous,  to  admit 
of  his  performing  himself  all  the  duties  of  his  high  office  ; and,  there- 
fore, a part  of  the  administration  of  the  pontificate  is  given  to  a kind  of  col- 
league, who  is  called  the  Maphrian,  or  Primate  of  the  East,  and  whose  doc- 
trines and  discipline  are  said  to  be  adopted  by  the  eastern  church  beyond  the 
Tigris.  This  primate  used  formerly  to  reside  at  Tauris,  a city  on  the  fron- 
tiers of  Armenia ; but  his  present  habitation  is  the  monastery  of  St.  Mathew, 
which  is  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Mousul,  a city  of  Mesopotamia.  It  is  fur- 
ther observable,  that  all  the  patriarchs  of  the  Jacobites  assume  the  denomi- 
nation of  Ignatius. — Mosheism,  vol.  4,  Section  xi.  page  257, 


36 


“ The  Father  generator, — the  Son  generated, — and  the  Holy 
“ Ghost  proceeding. 

“ None  is  before  nor  after  other  in  majesty,  honour,  might,  and 
“ power  ; co-equal,  unity  in  trinity,  and  trinity  in  unity. 

“ We  do  not  believe  with  Aerius  and  Eunomius,  that  there  are 
“ three  different  and  separate  substances. 

“ We  do  not  believe,  as  Sabellius  believes,  by  confusion  of  sub- 
u stance. 

“ We  do  not  believe,  as  Macedonius  said,  that  the  Holy  Ghost 
<!  is  less  than  the  Father  and  Son. 

“ We  do  not  believe,  as  Mawney  and*  Marcianus  said,  that  the 
“ body  of  Christ  was  sent  down  from  heaven. 

“ We  do  not  believe  as  Julianusf  said,  that  Christ  was  only  man. 

“ We  do  not  hold,  as  Nestorius,  the  doctrine  of  two  natures,  and 
“ two  substances  in  the  Messiah. 

“ We  do  not  believe,  as  the  Chalcedonians  said,  that  there  are 
“ two  natures  in  the  Messiah. 

But  we  believe,  by  the  doctrine  of  the  Trinity,  that  the  Son  is 
“ co-equal  with  the  Father,  without  beginning  or  end  ; that  in  the 
“ appointed  time,  through  the  disposition  of  the  Father  and  Holy 
“ Ghost,  without  disjoining  from  the  right  side  of  the  Father,  he 
“ appeared  on  earth  for  the  salvation  of  mankind — that  he  was  born 
u of  the  Virgin  Mary,  through  the  means  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  and 
“ was  incarnate,  God  and  Man.  So  that  in  the  union  of  the  di- 
“ vine  and  human  nature,  there  was  one  nature  and  one  substance. 
“ — So  we  believe.” 

“ The  service  in  their  church  is  performed  very  nearly  after  the 
manner  of  the  church  of  England  ; and  when  the  metropolitan  was 
told  that  it  was  hoped  that  one  day  an  union  might  take  place  be- 
tween the  two  churches,  he  seemed  pleased  at  the  suggestion. 

“ The  present  Metropolitan,  Mar  Dionisius,  is  now  old  and  in- 
firm, but  a very  respectable  character,  and  of  the  most  venerable 
and  prepossessing  appearance.  A person  has  been  sent  from  Mou- 
sul,  a city  in  Mesopotamia,  to  succeed  to  his  station,  in  the  event 
of  his  decease  ; — but  this  stranger,  ignorant  of  the  language  of  the 
country,  with  the  character  of  being  violent  in  his  temper,  and  not 
averse,  as  it  is  supposed,  to  the  views  of  the  Romish  church,  it  is  to 
be  hoped,  will  be  prevented  from  ever  taking  charge  of  this  pre- 
cious remnant  of  a pure  and  valuable  people. 

“ The  Metropolitan  has  several  archdeacons  and  deacons  under 
him,  who  act  as  Vicar-Generals.  They  have  fifty-five  churches  : 
and  the  number  of  their  people,  as  given  in  to  the  Resident,  is  esti- 
mated at  23,000. 

The  residence  of  their  Metropolitan  is  at  Candenatte,  twelve  or 
fourteen  miles  inland  from  Cochin.  In  some  of  their  churches 
divine  service  is  performed  in  the  Syrian  and  Latin  ritual  alternate- 
ly, by  the  priests  of  the  Christians  of  St.  Thou. 6,  who  have  adher- 

* These  I suppose  might  be  Manes  and  Marcian. 

f Perhaps  Julian,  Bishop  of  Halicarnassus. 


37 


eil  to  their  ancient  rites,  and  those  who  have  been  united  to  the 
church  of  Rome*.  When  the  latter  have  celebrated  mass,  they 
carry  away  the  images  from  the  church  before  the  others  enter. 

“ The  character  of  these  people  is  marked  by  a striking  superi- 
ority over  the  Heathens  in  every  moral  excellence  ; and  they  are 
remarkable  for  their  veracity  and  plain  dealing.  They  are  ex- 
tremely attentive  to  their  religious  duties  ; and  abide  by  the  decis- 
ion of  their  Pritsts  and  Metropolitan  in  all  cases,  whether  in  spirit- 
ual, or,  as  I heard,  in  temporal  affairs.  They  are  respected  very 
highly  by  the  Nairs,  who  do  not  consider  themselves  defiled  by  as- 
sociating with  them,  though  it  is  well  known  that  the  Nairs  are  the 
most  particular  of  all  the  Hindoos  in  this  respect  ; and  the  Rajahs 
of  Travancore  and  Cochin,  admit  them  to  rank  next  to  Nairs. 
Their  numbers,  it  is  conjectured,  are  under-rated  in  the  statement 
given  to  the  Resident,  as  it  is  generally  supposed  that  they  may  be 
estimated  at  70  or  80,000.  They  are  not  persecuted  ; but  they  are 
not  permitted  to  make  converts,  by  the  governments  under  which 
they  reside  ; and  it  is  supposed,  that  many  respectable  Hindoos 
would  be  happy  to  join  their  sect,  were  it  not  for  this  circumstance  : 
but  at  present  they  suffer,  as  far  as  I can  learn,  no  other  hardship. 

“ If  good  men  from  Syria  could  be  obtained,  not  as  parish  priests, 
but  to  superintend  and  regulate  their  concerns,  I conceive  it  would 
be  a great  blessing  to  these  good  people. 

“ The  direct  protection  of  the  British  government  has  been  al- 
ready extended  to  them  ; but  as  they  do  not  reside  within  the 
British  territories,  I am  somewhat  doubtful  how  far  it  may  be  of  use 
to  them. 

“ To  unite  them  to  the  church  of  England,  wrould,  in  my  opin- 
ion be  a most  noble  work  : and  it  is  most  devoutly  to  be  wished 
for,  that  those  who  have  been  driven  into  the  Roman  pale  might  be 
recalled  to  their  ancient  church  ; a measure  which  it  would  not,  I 
imagine,  be  difficult  to  accomplish,  as  the  country  governments 
would,  it  is  supposed,  second  any  efforts  to  that  purpose. 

“ Their  occupations  are  various  as  those  of  other  Christians  ; 
but  they  are  chiefly  cultivators  and  artizans ; and  some  of  them 
possess  a comfortable,  if  not  a splendid  independence.  Their  cler- 
gy marry  in  the  same  manner  as  Protestants.  Their  residence  is 
entirely  inland. 


Syrian  Roman  Catholics. 

“ These  people,  as  stated  above,  were  constrained  to  join  the 
Latin  church,  after  a long  struggle  for  the  power  of  maintaining 
their  purity  and  independence  ; and  still  appear  a people  perfectly 
distinct  from  the  Latin  church,  being  allowed  to  chaunt  and  perform 
all  the  services  of  the  church  of  Rome  in  the  Syrio-Chaldaic  lan- 
guage by  a dispensation  from  the  Pope.  They  live  under  the  au- 

* This  shows  a spirit  of  toleration  and  Christian  liberality,  very  different 
from  the  bigotry  of  the  Romish  church. 


38 


thonty  of  the  Metropolitan  of  Cranganore  and  the  Bishop  of  Vera- 
poli,  and  dress  differently  from  other  priests.  They  wear  a white 
surplice,  while  the  priests  of  the  Latin  communion  wear  black 
gowns,  like  the  Capuchin  friars  of  Madras.  The  Roman  Catholic 
Syrians,  it  is  thought,  are  much  more  numerous  than  the  members 
of  the  original  church.  Their  clergy  are  spread  through  the  an- 
cient churches,  and,  by  retaining  their  language,  and  acting  under 
the  direction  of  the  church  of  Rome,  they  leave  no  means  unessay- 
ed to  draw  over  their  primitive  brethren  to  the  Latin  communion. 
It  appears  to  me,  that  they  are  allowed  to  use  their  original  lan- 
guage, and  to  frequent  the  original  church,  entirely  with  this  view  ; 
and  as  far  as  I can  learn,  their  numbers  are  gaining  ground.  There 
are  said  to  be  eighty-six  parishes  of  Roman  Catholic  Syrians  sub- 
ject to  the  dioceses  of  Cranganore  and  Verapoli.  Their  priests  to 
the  number  of  four  hundred,  are  styled  Catanars,  which  is  a Syrian 
appellation  ; their  congregations  are  reported  at  90,000  (old  and 
young  included)  agreeably  to  the  last  return  transmitted  to  Rome. — 
There  is  an  inferior  order  of  priests,  who  are  called  Chiamas,  in 
number  about  120.  The  Hindoos  have,  as  far  as  I can  learn,  a 
much  greater  respect  for  the  Christians  of  the  original  church, 
than  for  the  converts  of  the  Latin  communion  ; which  may  be  ac- 
counted for  by  their  not  associating  with  the  lower  orders  of  people. 
Attached  to  each  church  is  a convent,  where  the  Catanars  reside  in 
community,  there  being  three,  four,  or  five  to  each  church.  The 
service  is  performed  weekly,  in  rotation  —There  is  a seminary  at 
the  college  of  Verapoli  for  the  education  oi  the  Syrio  Roman  Cath- 
olics, and  also  one  for  the  Latin  church.  The  Syrio  Roman  Cath- 
olics are  chiefly  engaged,  as  already  mentioned,  in  drawing  their  an- 
cient brethren  within  the  Romish  pale  ; but  it  appears  that  some  of 
them  have  been  employed  formerly  in  extending  the  general  ob- 
ject of  conversion  over  the  peninsula.  I saw  one  of  their  churches, 
at  a village  near  Pillambaddy,  about  thirty  miles  on  the  Madras 
side  of  Trichinopoly  ; and  I heard  of  several  others.  They  had  at 
this  village  adopted  the  use  of  a sawtny  coach,  like  that  of  the  Hea- 
thens, with  the  Crucifix  and  the  Virgin  Mary  in  it,  instead  of  the 
Hindoo  sawiny.— -Their  church  was  much  out  of  repair  ; and  the 
ignorance  of  the  few  Christians  remaining  in  charge  of  it  is  strik- 
ing : the  letters,  I,  N,  R,  I,  over  the  figure  of  our  Saviour  on  the 
cross,  being  absolutely  inverted  ; nor  did  the  priest  who  visits  them 
ever  notice  the  circumstance.  They  read  prayers  in  Malabar,  ac- 
cording to  the  ritual  of  the  church  of  Rome.  Their  church  ap- 
pears to  have  been  once  respectable,  but  is  now  fallen  into  decay. 

Latin  Roman  Catholics. 

“Within  the  provinces  of  Travancore  and  Cochin  there  are 
one  archbishop  and  two  bishops  the  archbishop  of  Cranganore, 
and  the  bishops  oi  Cochin  and  Verapoli. 

“ The  two  former  have  sees,  the  latter  is  titular.  The  archbish- 
ops of  Cranganore  and  the  bishop  of  Cochin  are  nominated  by  the 


queen  of  Portugal,  after  the  following  manner  : — Three  names  are 
sent,  (when  either  of  these  sees  become  vacant,)  by  the  sovereign 
of  Portugal  to  the  Pope  ; and  the  Roman  Pontiff  is  bound  to  se- 
lect the  name  that  stands  first,  and  to  issue  his  brevet  or  patent  ac- 
cordingly. 

“ They  are  subject  in  all  spiritual  concerns  to  the  primate  of 
Goa  ; Who  has  power  also  during  a vacancy,  of  sending  from  Goa 
a locum  tenens,  who  is  styled  Padre  Govemador. — Both  sees  are  at 
this  moment  filled  by  such. 

“ The  titular  Bishop,  who  resides  at  the  college  of  Verapoli,  is 
appointed  directly  by  the  Pope,  and  is  subject  to  no  jurisdiction  but 
that  of  his  holiness,  or  the  propaganda  at  Rome. — This  mission 
being  more  susceptible  of  control  and  regulation  than  the  others, 
has  been  countenanced  by  the  honourable  company,  as  the  following 
copy  of  a Proclamation  issued  by  the  government  of  Bombay  will 
show. 


“ PROCLAMATION. 

“ The  honourable  the  Court  of  Directors  of  the  honourable  En- 
“ glish  East-India  company,  having  been  pleased  to  order  that  the 
“ ecclesiastical  jurisdiction  of  the  Roman  Catholic  churches  under 
“ this  government,  shall  be  withdrawn  from  the  Archbishop  of  Goa, 
“ and  restored  to  the  Carmelite  Bishop  of  the  apostolic  mission, 
“ the  President  in  Council  has  accordingly  resolved,  that  the  said 
“ restitution  shall  take  place  on  the  first  of  the  ensuing  month  ; 
“ from  which  time  he  hereby  enjoins  all  the  Catholic  inhabitants 
“ in  Bombay,  as  well  as  the  several  factories  and  settlements  sub- 
“ ordinate  thereto,  to  pay  due  obedience  in  spiritual  matters  to  the 
“ said  bishops,  on  pain  of  incurring  the  severe  displeasure  of  gov- 
“ ernment. 

« By  order  of  the  Honourable  the  Governor  in  Council , 

“ Bombay  Castle,  > ( Signed ) WILLIAM  PAGE, 

“ 2d  Aug.  1791.”  £ Secretary. 

“ The  priests  attached  to  the  college  of  Verapoli  are  all  Carme- 
lites, united  to  the  apostolic  mission  at  Bombay,  but  not  subject  to 
it.  The  jurisdiction  of  each  is  not  marked  by  distinct  bounds  ; 
the  parishes  and  churches  being  so  intermingled,  that  it  is  difficult 
to  form  a right  notion  of  their  extent.  The  Bishop  of  Cochin,  how- 
ever, may  be  said  to  have  a control  over  all  the  Romish  churches 
situated  on  the  sea  coast,  immediately,  (with  few  exceptions,)  from 
Cochin  to  Ramnad,  and  thence  round  the  whole  island  of  Ceylon  : 
the  churches  are  numerous  ; but  as  they  are  in  general  poor,  and 
are  obliged  to  be  supplied  with  priests  from  Goa,  it  would  appear 
that  one  vicar  holds,  upon  an  average,  five  or  six  churches.  The 
number  of  Christians  composing  these  churches  must  be  great,  as 
all  and  every  of  the  fishermen  are  Roman  Catholics. — The  Bishop 
of  Cochin  usually  resides  atQuilon.  There  are  very  few  Europe- 
an clergy,  (not  above  seven  or  eight,)  under  the  three  jurisdictions. 


40 


and  none  of  them  men  of  education  ; and  it  cannot  be  expected  that 
the  native  priests,  who  have  been  educated  at  Goa,  or  at  the  semi- 
nary at  Verapoli,  should  know  much  beyond  tneir  missals  and 
vituals. — The  Latin  communicants  in  the  diocese  of  Verapoli,  are 
estimated  at  35,000. — The  catechuman  suffers  no  persecution  on 
account  of  his  religion,  when  once  converted  ; but  the  country  gov- 
ernments are  excessively  jealous  upon  this  point,  and  do  their  ut- 
most to  discountenance  any  conversion. 

“ The  converts  are  from  various  casts,  viz.  Chegasor  Teers, — 
Muckwas  and  Pullers  ; and  there  can  be  no  doubt  but  that  many  of 
higher  casts  would  be  baptized,  if  they  did  not  dread  the  displeas- 
ure of  their  governments. 

“ It  is  well  known  that  the  Roman  religion  was  introduced  by 
the  Portuguese,  at  the  commencement  of  the  sixteenth  century  ; 
the  number  converted  in  each  year,  upon  an  average,  reach  to  near- 
ly 300  : — the  number  of  course,  naturally  diminishes.  The  mo- 
rality of  the  converts  is  very  loose  : and  they  are  generally  inferior 
in  this  respect  to  the  heathens  of  the  country. 


GENERAL  OBSERVATIONS. 

Reflecting  on  the  whole  subject,  several  suggestions  present 
themselves  to  my  mind  : and  I shall  not  be  considered  as  deviating 
from  the  line  of  my  profession,  or  the  intention  of  your  Lordship, 
in  calling  for  my  Report,  by  offering  some  opinions  to  govern- 
ment, which  in  a moral  and  political  view,  seem  of  the  highest 
importance.  It  appears  from  the  foregoing  statement,  that  pure 
Christianity  is  far,  very  far,  from  being  a religion  for  which  the 
highest  cast  of  Hindoos  have  any  disrespect ; and  that  it  is  the 
abuse  of  the  Christian  name,  under  the  form  of  the  Romish  reli- 
gion, to  which  they  are  averse.  We  have,  my  Lord,  been  sadly 
defective  in  what  we  owed  to  God  and  man,  since  we  have  had  the 
footing  in  this  country,  as  well  by  departing  most  shamefully  from 
our  Christian  profession  ourselves,  as  in  withholding  those  sources 
of  moral  perfection  from  the  natives,  which  true  Christianity  alone 
can  establish  ; and,  at  the  same  time,  we  have  allowed  the  Roman- 
ists to  steal  into  our  territories,  to  occupy  the  ground  we  have  neg- 
lected to  cultivate,  and  to  bring  an  odium  on  our  pure  and  honour- 
able name  as  Christians.  The  evil  would  be  less,  were  it  not  well 
known  that  many  of  the  Romish  priests,  and  their  people,  who 
have  thus  been  allowed  to  grow  numerous  under  our  authority,  are 
supposed  to  be  far  from  well  affected  to  the  government  under 
which  they  reside  ; indeed,  in  many  instances  the  Roman  clergy 
are  the  natural  subjects  ol  nations  at  enmity  with  ourselves,  at  the 
same  time  that  they  are  eminently  qualified  by  their  influence  in 
their  profession,  to  do  us  the  greatest  mischief,  by  spreading  disaf- 
fection throughout  every  part  of  the  extended  country.  The  Ro- 
man Catholic  religion,  my  Lord,  I believe  I may  say,  without  of- 


41 


fence  to  truth  or  charity,  has  almost  always  been  made  a political 
engine  in  the  hands  of  its  governments  ; and  we  must  be  blinded 
indeed,  by  our  own  confidence,  if  we  do  not  calculate  on  its  being 
so  used  in  this  great  and  rich  country,  where  it  has  established  a 
footing  among  an  ignorant  people  { especially  when  it  is  so  well 
understood  that  our  eastern  possessions  have  been  a subject  of  the 
greatest  jealousy  to  all  the  rival  nations  of  P urope.  In  my  hum- 
ble opinion,  my  Lord,  the  error  has  been  in  not  having  long  ago 
established  free*  schools  throughout  every  part  of  this  country,  by 
which  the  children  of  the  natives  might  have  learned  our  language, 
and  got  acquainted  with  our  morality.  Such  an  establishment 
would,  ere  this,  have  made  the  people  at  large  fully  acquainted 
with  the  divine  spring,  from  whence  alone  British  virtue  must  be 
acknowledged  to  flow.  This  would  have  made  them  better  ac- 
quainted with  the  principles  by  which  we  are  governed  : they  would 
have  learned  to  respect  our  laws,  to  honour  our  feelings,  and  to  fol- 
low our  maxims  : whereas  they  appear  to  me,  generally  speaking, 
at  this  moment,  as  ignorant  of  their  masters  as  on  their  first  land- 
ing on  these  shores.  I speak  not  of  interfering  with  their  religious 
prejudices,  or  endeavouring  to  convert  the  natives  by  an  extraor- 
dinary effort  on  the  part  of  the  British  government.  Conversion, 
in  my  opinion,  must  be  the  consequence  which  would  naturally 
flow  from  our  attention  to  the  moral  instruction,  and  their  more  in- 
timate acquaintance  with  the  English  character. 

“ I do  not  mention  this  as  an  experiment,  the  result  of  which 
might  be  considered  as  problematical  : the  experiment  has  been 
already  made,  and  the  consequences  have  proved  commensurate 
with  the  highest  expectation  which  reasonable  men  could  entertain. 
The  Danish  Mission,  united  with  the  Society  for  propagating  the 
Gospel,  have  sent  some  good  men  into  this  country,  with  the  laud- 
able view  of  spreading  true  Christianity  throughout  our  eastern 
possessions : and  the  name  of  Swartz,  Gerricke,  and  others,  will 
ever  be  remembered  by  numbers  of  our  Asiatic  subjects,  of  every 
cast  and  description,  with  veneration  and  affection  : and  there  are 
happily  still  living  some  amongst  us  of  the  same  character. 

“ It  is  true,  that  the  object  they  had  more  particularly  in  view, 

* To  give  English  morals  to  the  natives  in  their  purity,  we  must,  I ima- 
gine, make  them  read  English  books.  Translations  have  hitherto  been  very 
defective  in  the  different  country  languages  ; besides  they  must  be  extremely 
circumscribed  in  number.  I do  not  think  the  natives  will  come  to  us  freely 
but  to  learn  English.  This  they  consider  as  the  key  to  fortune  ; and,  on  the 
coast  the  most  strict  of  the  Bramins  will  have  little  hesitation,  as  far  as  I can 
learn,  in  permitting  their  children  to  attend  a free  school  for  the  purpose  of 
learning  it ; for  they  despise  us  too  much  to  suppose  there  is  any  danger  of 
overturning  the  principles  of  Braminism.  But  their  ill-founded,  ridiculous 
principles  must  be  shaken  to  the  very  foundation,  by  the  communication  of 
such  liberal  knowledge  as  a Christian  can  instil  into  the  minds  of  youth,  and 
fix  there  by  means  of  English  books  ; and  all  this  without  making  any  alarm- 
big  attack  directly  on  the  religion  of  the  Hindoos. 

6 


42 


has,  in  some  measure,  failed  : and  few  good  converts,  it  is  gener- 
ally imagined,  have  been  made  ; but  let  it  be  remembered  also, 
that  they  have  labored  under  every  possible  disadvantage  ; they 
have  scarcely  enjoyed  a mere  toleration  under  our  government, 
and  received  no  kind  of  assistance  whatsoever  ; that  they  were  few 
in  number,  and  perhaps  I may  say,  without  injustice,  that  they  erred, 
(as  the  best  might  err.)  in  the  means  which  they  adopted  ; but  that 
they  have  done  much  good  by  the  purity  of  their  lives,  and  by  their 
zeal  in  spreading  instruction.  This  will  admit  of  no  denial  ; and 
I doubt  not  that  I may  say,  without  the  danger  of  contradiction, 
that  few  and  poor  as  these  men  have  been,  without  authority  or 
power  to  support  them,  a greater  and  more  extended  portion  of 
heart  felt  respect  for  the  European  character  has  been  diffused  by 
their  means  throughout  this  country,  than  by  all  the  other  Europeans 
put  together.  We  have,  in  my  humble  opinion,  my  Lord,  kept  our- 
selves too  far  from  the  natives  : we  have  despised  their  ignorance, 
without  attempting  to  remove  it, — and  we  have  considered  their 
timidity,  (the  natural  result  of  their  being  trampled  upon  by  one 
race  of  conquerors  after  another,)  also  as  an  object  for  our  con- 
tempt ; at  the  same  time,  that  we  have  viewed  the  cunning  of  their 
character,  (which  is  ever  the  natural  resource  of  ignorance  and 
weakness,)  as  the  completion  of  all  that  is  vile  and  deceitful. — Thus 
have  we  continued  a system  of  neglect  towards  the  interests  of  our 
native  subjects,  in  points  the  most  essential  to  their  very  happiness, 
throughout  the  whole  of  our  governments  in  this  country.  Fain, 
my  Lord,  would  I see  a change  in  this  particular  ; and  I seize  the 
opportunity  which  the  present  moment  affords,  to  press  the  justice 
and  the  policy  of  the  measure  on  the  attention  of  your  lordship’s 
government. 

Having  the  honour  to  remain, 

With  the  highest  respect,  my  Lord, 

Your  Lordship’s  faithful 

And  obedient  humble  servant, 

( Signed ) R.  H.  KERR, 

Senior  chaplain  of  Fort  St.  George 
u Madras,  JVov.  3.  1806.” 

LITERARY  INTELLIGENCE. 

“ The  Rev.  Dr.  Buchanan,  who  left  Bengal  some  months  ago, 
with  the  view  of  proceeding  to  Travancore,  to  inquire  into  the  state 
of  the  Syrian  Christians,  arrived  in  that  country  about  the  begin- 
ning of  November  last,  having  travelled  from  Calcutta  to  Cape 
Comorin  by  land.  His  highness  the  Rajah  of  Travancore  was 
pleased  to  afford  to  Dr.  Buchanan  the  most  liberal  assistance  in  the 
prosecution  of  his  inquiries.  About  the  middle  of  November,  Dr 
Buchanan  proceeded  from  the  sea  coast  into  the  interior  of  the 
country,  North-east  from  Quilon,  to  visit  the  ancient  Syrian 


43 


churches,  situated  amongst  the  low  hills  at  the  bottom  of  the  high 
Ghauts,  which  divide  the  Carnatic  from  Malayala.  The  face  of  the 
country  in  general,  in  the  vicinity  of  the  mountains,  exhibits  a va- 
ried scene  of  hill  and  dale,  and  winding  streams.  These  streams 
fall  from  the  mountains,  and  preserve  the  vallies  in  perpetual  ver- 
dure. The  woods  produce  pepper,  cardamoms,  and  cassia,  or  wild 
cinnamon  ; also  frankincense  and  other  aromatic  gums.  What 
adds  much  to  the  grandeur  of  the  scenery  in  this  country  is,  that 
the  adjacent  mountains  of  Travancore  are  not  barren,  but  are  cov- 
ered with  teak  forests,  producing  the  largest  timber  in  the  world. 

“ The  first  view  of  the  Christian  churches,  in  this  sequestered 
region  of  Hindostan,  connected  with  the  idea  of  their  tranquil  dura- 
tion for  so  many  ages,  cannot  fail  to  excite  pleasing  emotions  in  the 
mind  of  the  beholder.  The  form  of  the  oldest  buildings  is  not  un- 
like that  of  some  of  the  old  parish  churches  in  England  ; the  style 
of  building  in  both  being  of  Saracenic  origin.  They  have  sloping 
roofs,  pointed  arch  windows,  and  buttresses  supporting  the  walls. 
The  beams  of  the  roof  being  exposed  to  view,  are  ornamented  ; 
and  the  ceiling  of  the  choir  and  altar  is  circular  and  fretted.  In 
the  cathedral  churches,  the  shrines  of  the  deceased  bishops  are 
placed  on  each  side  of  the  altar.  Most  of  the  churches  are  built 
of  a reddish  stone,  squared  and  polished  at  the  quarry  ; and  are  of 
durable  construction,  the  front  wall  of  the  largest  edifices  being  six 
feet  thick.  The  bells  of  the  churches  are  cast  in  the  founderies  of 
Travancore.  Some  of  them  are  of  large  dimensions  ; and  have  in- 
scriptions in  Syriac  and  Malayalim.  In  approaching  a town  in  the 
evening,  the  sound  of  the  bells  may  be  heard  at  a distance  amongst 
the  hills ; a circumstance  which  causes  the  British  traveller  to  for- 
get for  a moment  that  he  is  in  Hindostan,  and  reminds  him  of 
another  country.  When  Dr.  Buchanan  arrived  at  the  remote 
churches,  he  was  informed  by  the  inhabitants  that  no  European 
had,  to  their  knowledge,  visited  the  place  before.  The  Romish 
priests  do  not  travel  thither,  there  being  no  church  of  their  com- 
munion in  that  quarter. 

“ The  number  of  Syrian  churches  is  greater  than  has  been  sup- 
posed. There  are,  at  this  time  fifty-five  churches  in  Malayala,* 
acknowledging  the  Patriarch  of  Antioch.  The  church  was  erect- 
ed by  the  present  bishop,  in  1792. 

“ The  Syrian  Christians  are  not  Nestorians.  Formerly,  indeed, 
they  had  bishops  of  that  communion  ; but  the  liturgy  of  the  pres- 
ent church  is  derived  from  that  of  the  early  church  of  Antioch, 
called  Liturgia , Jacobi  Afiostoli.  They  are  usually  denominated 
Jacobite  ; but  they  differ  in  ceremonial  from  tne  church  of  that 
name  in  Syria,  and  indeed  from  any  existing  church  in  the  world. 

* Malayala  comprehends  the  mountains,  and  the  whole  region  within 
them,  from  Cape  Comorin  to  Cape  Eli,  whereas,  the  province  of  Malabar, 
commonly  so  called,  contains  only  the  Northern  Districts ; not  including  the 
country  of  Travancore. 


44 


Their  proper  designation,  and  that  which  is  sanctioned  by  their 
own  use,  is  Syrian  Christiana , or  The  Syrian  Church  of  Malayala . 

“ The  doctrines  of  the  Syrian  Church  are  contained  in  a very 
few  articles  ; and  are  not  at  variance  in  essentials,  with  the  doc- 
trines of  the  church  of  England.  Their  bishops  and  metropolitan, 
after  conferring  with  his  clergy  on  the  subject,  delivered  the  fol- 
lowing opinion  : “ That  an  union  with  the  English  church,  or  at 
least  such  a connexion  as  should  appear  to  both  churches  practicable 
and  expedient,  would  be  a happy  event,  and  favorable  to  the  ad- 
vancement of  religion.”  It  is  in  contemplation  to  send  to  England 
some  of  the  Syrian  youth,  for  education  and  ordination. 

“ The  present  bishop,  Mar  Dionysius,  is  a native  of  Malayala,  but 
of  Syrian  extraction.  He  is  a man  of  respectable  character  in  his 
nation,  and  exercises  himself  in  the  pious  discharge  of  the  duties 
of  his  high  office.  He  is  now  78  years  of  age,  and  possesses  a ven- 
erable aspect,  his  while  beard  descending  low  to  his  girdle.  On 
public  occasions  he  wears  the  Episcopal  mitre  ; and  is  robed  in  a 
white  vestment,  which  covers  long  garments  of  red  silk;  and  in 
his  hand  he  holds  the  pastoral  staff.  The  first  native  bishop  was 
ordained  by  the  Romish  church  in  1663  : but  he  was  of  the  Rom- 
ish communion.  Since  that  period,  the  old  Syrians  have  continu- 
ed, till  lately,  to  receive  their  bishops  from  Antioch  ; but  that  an- 
cient patriarchate  being  now  nearly  extinct,  and  incompetent  to 
the  appointment  of  learned  men,  the  Christian  church  in  Malayala 
looks  henceforth  to  Britain  for  the  continuance  of  that  light  which 
has  shone  so  long  in  this  dark  region  of  the  world. 

“ From  information  given  by  the  Syrian  Christians,  it  would  ap- 
pear that  the  churches  of  Mesopotamia  and  Syria,  (215  in  number) 
with  which  they  are  connected,  are  struggling  with  great  difficul- 
ties, and  merely  owe  their  existence  to  some  deference  of  their  an- 
tiquity ; and  that  they  might  be  expected  soon  to  flourish  again, 
if  favored  with  a little  support.  It  would  be  worthy  the  church  of 
England  to  aid  the  church  of  Antioch,  in  her  low  estate.  The 
church  of  England  is  now  what  the  church  of  Antioch  once  was. 
The  mode  in  which  aid  can  be  best  afforded  to  Christians  under  a 
foreign  power  in  the  East,  is  not  chiefly  by  contributions  of  money, 
but  by  representing  to  those  governments,  with  which  we  may 
have  friendly  intercourse,  that  these  Christians  are  of  the  same  re- 
ligion with  ourselves  ; and  that  we  are  desirous  that  they  should 
be  respected.  The  argument,  from  the  sameness  of  religion,  is 
well  understood  by  all  Asiatic  princes,  and  can  never  fail  when  se- 
riously proposed  ; for  they  think  it  both  natural  and  obligatory  that 
every  government  should  be  interested  in  those  who  are  of  its  own 
religion.  There  are  two  circumstances  which  invite  us  to  turn 
our  eyes  to  the  country  of  “the  first  generation  of  men.”  The 
tolerant  spirit  of  the  Wahabian  Mahomedans,  is  a fair  prognostic  ; 
and  promises  to  aid  our  endeavors  to  restore  to  an  ancient  commu- 
nity of  Christians  the  blessings  of  knowledge  and  religious  liberty. 


45 


Another  favorable  circumstance  is,  that  some  of  the  churches  in 
Mesopotamia,  in  one  of  which,  the  Patriarch  of  Antioch  now  re- 
sides, are  said  still  to  remain  in  their  pristine  state,  and  to  have 
preserved  their  archives  and  ancient  manuscript  libraries.  A do- 
mestic priest  of  the  patriarch,  now  in  Cochin,  vouches  for  the  truth 
of  this  fact.  We  know,  from  authentic  history,  that  the  churches 
between  the  rivers  escaped  the  general  desolation  of  the  Mahom- 
edan  conquest,  in  the  seventh  century,  by  joining  arms  with  the 
Mahomedans  against  the  Greek  Christians,  who  had  been  their  op- 
pressors. The  revival  of  religion  and  letters  in  that  once  highly 
favored  land,  in  the  heart  of  the  ancient  world,  would  be,  in  the 
present  circumstances  of  mankind,  an  auspicious  event. 

“ The  Syrian  Christians  in  Malayala  still  use  the  Syriac  lan- 
guage in  their  churches  ; but  the  Malayalim,  or  proper  Malabar, 
(a  dialect  distinct  from  the  Tamul)  is  the  vernacular  tongue.  They 
have  made  some  attempts  to  translate  the  Syriac  scriptures  into 
Malayalim  ; but  have  not  hitherto  had  the  suitable  means  of  effect- 
ing it.  When  a proposal  was  made  of  sending  a Malayalim  trans- 
lation to  each  of  their  55  churches,  as  a standard  book,  on  condi- 
tion that  they  would  transcribe  it,  and  circulate  the  copies  among 
the  people, — the  elder  replied,  That  so  great  was  the  desire  of  the 
people  in  general,  to  have  the  Bible  in  the  vulgar  tongue,  that  it 
might  be  expected  that  every  man  who  could  write , would  make  a 
copy  on  ollas , (palm  leaves)  for  his  own  family. 

“ It  ought  to  be  mentioned,  to  the  praise  of  the  present  bishop 
of  the  Romish  church  on  the  coast  of  Malabar,  that  he  has  con- 
sented to  the  circulation  of  the  Scriptures  throughout  his  diocese. 
The  Malayalim  translation  acquires,  from  this  circumstance,  an 
increased  importance,  since  there  will  be  now  upwards  of  20,000 
Christians  in  Malayala  who  are  ready  to  receive  it.  The  transla- 
tion of  the  New  Testament,  (which  it  is  proposed  to  print  first) 
has  already  commenced,  under  the  superintendence  of  the  Syrian 
bishop.  The  true  cause  of  the  low  state  of  religion  amongst  the 
Romish  churches  on  the  sea-coast  and  in  Ceylon,  is  their  want  of 
the  Bible.  It  is  doubtful  whether  some  of  the  priests  know  that 
such  a book  exists  ! It  is  injurious  to  Christianity  in  India,  to  call 
men  Christians  who  know  not  the  scripture  of  their  religion  : they 
might  as  well  be  called  by  any  other  name.  Oral  instruction  they 
have  none,  even  from  their  European  priests.  The  best  effects 
may  therefore  be  expected  from  the  simple  means  of  putting  the 
Bible  into  their  hands.  All  who  are  well  acquainted  with  the  na- 
tives, know  that  instruction  by  books  is  best  suited  to  them.  They 
are  in  general  a contemplative  people,  and  patient  in  their  inquir- 
ies ; curious  also  to  know  what  it  can  be  that  is  of  importance 
enough  to  be  written , — at  the  same  time  that  they  regard  written 
precept  with  respect.  If  they  possess  a book  in  a language  which 
they  understand,  it  will  not  be  left  long  unread.  In  Tanjore,  and 
other  places  where  the  Bible  is  freely  given,  the  Protestant  religion 


46 


Nourishes  ; and  produces  the  happiest  effects  on  the  character  of 
the  people.  In  Tanjore,  the  Christian  virtues  will  be  found  in  ex- 
ercise by  the  feeble  minded  Hindoo,  in  a vigor  and  purity  which 
will  surprise  those  who  have  never  known  the  native  character  but 
under  the  greatest  disadvantages.  On  the  Sunday,  the  people,  habited 
in  their  best  apparel,  repair  to  the  parish  church,  where  the  solem- 
nity of  their  devotion  in  accompanying  the  public  prayers,  is  truly 
impressive.  They  sing  the  old  Psalm  tunes  well : and  the  voice 
of  the  full  congregation  may  be  heard  at  a distance.  Prayers  be- 
ing ended,  they  listen  to  the  sermon,  evidently  with  deep  attention  ; 
nor  have  they  any  difficulty  in  understanding  it,  for  they  almost  all, 
both  men  and  women,  can  read  their  Bible.  Many  of  them  take 
down  the  discourse  on  alias , that  they  may  read  it  afterwards  to 
their  families  at  home.*  As  soon  as  the  minister  has  pronounced 
the  text,  the  sound  of  the  iron  style  on  the  palm  leaf  is  heard 
throughout  the  congregation.  Even  the  boys  of  the  schools  have 
their  ollas  in  their  hands  ; and  may  be  seen  after  divine  service 
reading  them  to  their  mothers,  as  they  pass  over  the  fields  home- 
wards. This  aptitude  of  the  people  to  receive  and  record  the 
words  of  the  preacher,  renders  it  peculiarly  necessary  that  “ the 
priests’  lips  should  keep  knowledge.”  Upon  the  whole,  the  moral 
conduct,  the  upright  dealing,  decorous  manners,  and  decent  dress 
of  the  native  Protestants  of  Tanjore,  demonstrate  the  powerful  in- 
fluence, and  peculiar  excellence  of  the  Christian  religion.  It  ought, 
however,  to  be  observed,  that  the  Bible,  when  the  reading  of  it  be- 
comes general,  has  nearly  the  same  effect  on  the  poor  of  every 
place. 

“ When  the  Syrian  Christians  understood  that  the  proposed 
Malayalan  translation  was  to  accord  with  the  English  Bible,  they 
desired  to  know  on  what  authorities  our  translation  had  been  made  ; 
alleging,  that  they  themselves  possessed  a version  of  undoubted 
antiquity,  namely,  that  used  by  the  first  Christians  at  Antioch  ; 
and  that  they  could  not  depart  from  the  reading  of  that  version. 
This  observation  led  to  the  investigation  of  the  ancient  Syrio-Chal- 
daic  manuscripts  in  Malayala  ; and  the  inquiry  has  been  successful 
beyond  any  expectation  that  could  have  been  formed. 

“ It  had  been  commonly  supposed,  that  all  the  Syriac  manu- 
scripts had  been  burned  by  the  Romish  church  at  the  Synod  of  Udi- 
amper,  near  Cochin,  in  1599,  but  it  now  appears  that  the  most  val- 
uable manuscripts  were  not  destroyed  : the  inquisitors  condemned 
many  books  to  the  flames  ; but  they  saved  the  Bible.  They  were 
content  with  ordering  that  the  Syriac  scriptures  should  be  amend- 
ed agreeable  to  the  reading  of  the  Vulgate  of  Rome  ; and  these 
emendations  now  appear  in  black  ink,  and  of  modern  appearance, 

• It  is  well  known  that  natives  of  Tanjore  and  Travancore  can  write  down 
what  is  spoken  deliberately,  without  losing  one  word.  They  seldom  look  at 
their  ollaa  while  writing,  and  can  write  in  the  dark  with  fluency. 


47 


though  made  in  1599  : but  many  Bibles,  and  many  other  books 
were  not  produced  at  all ; and  the  churches  in  the  mountains  re* 
mained  but  a short  time  subject  to  Romish  dominion,  (if  indeed 
they  can  be  said  to  have  been  at  any  time  subject  to  it ;)  for  the 
native  governments  have  ever  formed  a barrier  between  the  inqui- 
sition at  Goa  and  the  Christians  in  the  mountains. 

“ In  the  acts  of  the  council  at  Nice,  it  is  recorded  that  Joannus, 
Bishop  of  India,  signed  his  name  at  that  council,  A.  D.  325.  This 
date  corresponds  with  the  Syrian  year  636  ; for  the  primitive 
Syrian  church  does  not  compute  time  from  the  Christian  »ra,  but 
from  Alexander  the  Great.  The  Syriac  version  of  the  scriptures 
was  brought  to  India,  according  to  the  belief  of  the  Syrians,  before 
the  year  636  ; and  they  allege  that  their  copies  have  ever  been  ex- 
act transcripts  of  that  version  without  known  error,  through  every 
age,  down  to  this  day.  There  is  no  tradition  among  them  of  the 
churches  in  the  southern  mountains  having  ever  been  destroyed, 
or  even  molested.  Some  of  their  present  copies  are  certainly  of 
ancient  date.  Though  written  on  a strong  thick  paper,  (like  that 
of  some  MSS.  in  the  British  Museum,  commonly  called  Eastern 
ftafier ,J  the  ink  has,  in  several  places,  eat  through  the  material  in 
the  exact  form  of  the  letter.  In  other  copies,  where  the  ink  had 
less  of  the  corroding  quality,  it  has  fallen  off,  and  left  a dark  ves- 
tige of  the  letter,  faint  indeed,  but  not,  in  general,  illegible.  There 
is  one  volume  found  in  a remote  church  of  the  mountains,  which 
merits  particular  description  : — it  contains  the  Old  and  New  Tes- 
taments, engrossed  on  strong  vellum  in  large  folio,  having  three 
columns  in  the  page  ; and  is  written  with  beautiful  accuracy.  The 
character  is  Estrangelo  Syriac  ; and  the  words  of  every  book  are 
numbered.  This  volume  is  illuminated  ; but  not  after  the  Euro- 
pean manner,  the  initial  letters  having  no  ornament.  Prefixed  to 
each  book  there  are  figures  of  principal  scripture  characters,  (not 
rudely  drawn,)  the  colours  of  which  are  distinguishable  ; and  in 
some  places,  the  enamel  of  the  gilding  is  preserved  ; but  the  vol- 
ume has  suffered  injury  from  time  or  neglect,  some  of  the  leaves 
being  almost  entirely  decayed.  In  certain  places  the  ink  has  been 
totally  obliterated  from  the  page,  and  has  left  the  parchment  in  its 
natural  whiteness  ; but  the  letters  can,  in  general,  be  distinctly 
traced  from  the  impress  of  the  pen,  or  from  the  partial  corrosion 
of  the  ink.  The  Syrian  church  assigns  to  this  manuscript  a high 
antiquity  ; and  alleges  that  it  has  been  for  some  centuries  in  the 
possession  of  their  Bishops  ; and  that  it  was  industriously  conceal- 
ed from  the  Romish  inquisition  in  1599  : but  its  true  age  can  only 
be  ascertained  by  a comparison  with  old  manuscripts  in  Europe  of 
a similar  kind.  On  the  margin  of  the  drawing  are  some  old  Ro- 
man and  Greek  letters,  the  form  of  which  may  lead  to  a conjecture 
respecting  the  age  in  which  they  were  written.  This  copy  of  the 
scriptures  has  admitted  as  canonical  the  Epistle  of  Clement,  in 
which  respect  it  resembles  the  Alexandrine  manuscript  : but  r 


48 


has  omitted  the  Revelations, — that  book  having  been  accounted 
apocryphal  by  some  churches  during  a certain  period  in  the  early 
ages.  The  order  of  the  books  in  the  Old  and  New  Testament  dif- 
fers from  that  of  the  European  copies, — this  copy  adhering  less  to 
unity  of  subject  in  the  arrangement,  than  to  chronological  order. 
The  very  first  emendation  of  the  Hebrew  text  proposed  by  Dr. 
Kennicott,  (Gen.  iv.  8 ) is  to  be  found  in  this  manuscript.  The 
disputed  passage  in  1 John  v.  7,  is  not  to  be  found  in  it : that  verse 
is  interpolated  in  some  other  copies  in  black  ink,  by  the  Romish 
church,  in  1599. 

“ Thus  it  appears  that  during  the  dark  ages  of  Europe,  while  ig- 
norance and  superstition  in  a manner  denied  the  Scriptures  to  the 
rest  of  the  world,  the  Bible  found  an  asylum  in  the  mountains  of 
Malayala  ; where  it  was  revealed  and  freely  read  by  upwards  of 
100  churches  ; and  that  it  has  been  handed  down  to  the  present 
time  under  circumstances  so  highly  favorable  to  accurate  preser- 
vation, as  may  justly  entitle  it  to  respect,  in  the  collation  of  doubt- 
ful readings  in  the  sacred  text. 

“ There  are  many  old  Syriac  manuscripts  besides  the  Bible, 
which  have  been  well  preserved  : for  the  Synod  of  Udiamper  des- 
troyed no  volumes  but  those  which  treated  of  religious  doctrine  or 
church  supremacy.  Two  different  characters  of  writing  appear 
ever  to  have  been  in  use  among  the  Syrian  Christians, — the  com- 
mon Syriac  and  the  Estrangeio.  The  oldest  manuscripts  are  in 
the  Estrangeio. 

“ But  there  are  other  ancient  documents  in  Malayala,  not  less 
interesting  than  the  Syrian  manuscripts.  The  old  Portuguese  his- 
torians relate,  that  soon  after  the'arrival  of  their  countrymen  in  In- 
dia, about  300  years  ago,  the  Syrian  Archbishop  of  Angamalee,  by 
name  Mar  Jacob,  deposited  in  the  fort  of  Cochin  for  safe  custody, 
certain  tablets  of  brass  ; on  which  were  engraven  Rights  of  Nobil- 
ity and  other  privileges,  granted  to  the  Christians  by  a Prince  of 
a former  age  ; and  that  while  these  tablets  were  under  the  charge 
of  the  Portuguese,  they  had  been  unaccountably  lost,  and  had  nev- 
er after  been  heard  of.  The  loss  of  the  tablets  was  deeply  regret- 
ted by  the  Christians  ; and  the  Portuguese  writer,  Gouvea,  ascribes 
their  subsequent  oppressions  by  the  native  powers,  to  the  circum- 
stance of  their  being  no  longer  able  to  produce  their  charter.  It  is 
not  generally  known  that,  at  a former  period,  the  Christians  pos- 
sessed regal  power  in  Malayala.  The  name  of  their  last  king  was 
Beliarte.  He  died  without  issue  : and  his  kingdom  descended,  by 
the  custom  of  the  country,  to  the  king  of  Cochin.  When  Vasco 
de  Gama  was  at  Cochin,  in  1503,  he  saw  the  Sceptre  of  the  Christ- 
ian king. 

“ It  is  further  recorded  by  the  same  historians,  that  besides  the 
documents  deposited  with  the  Portuguese,  the  Christians  possess- 
ed three  other  tablets,  containing  ancient  grants,  which  they  kept 
in  their  own  custody  : and  that  these  were  exhibited  to  the  Rom- 


49 


ish  Archbishop  Menezes,  at  the  church  of  1 evelecar,  near  the 
mountains,  in  1599, — the  inhabitants  having  first  exacted  an  oath 
from  the  archbishop  that  he  would  not  remove  them.  Since  that 
period  little  has  been  heard  of  the  tablets.  1 hough  they  are  oiten 
referred  toin  the  Syrian  writings,  the  translation  itself  has  been  lost. 
It  has  been  said  that  they  were  seen  about  forty  years  ago  ; but 
Adrian  Moens,  a Governor  of  Cochin,  in  1770,  who  published 
some  account  of  the  Jews  of  Malabar,  informs  us,  that  he  used  ev- 
ery means  in  his  power  for  many  years  to  obtain  a sight  of  the  Chris- 
tian plates  ; and  was  at  length  satisfied  they  were  irrecoverably 
lost  ; or  rather,  he  adds,  that  they  never  existed. 

“ The  learned  world  will  be  gratified,  to  know,  that  all  these  an- 
cient tablets,  not  only  the  three  last  mentioned  exhibited  in  1599, 
but  those  also  (as  is  supposed,)  delivered  by  the  Syrian  Archbish- 
op to  the  Portuguese,  on  their  arrival  in  India,  which  are  the  most 
ancient,  have  been  recently  recovered  by  the  exertions  of  Lieut. 
Colonel  Macaulay,  the  British  Resident  in  Travancore  ; and  are 
now  officially  deposited  with  that  officer. 

“ The  plates  are  six  in  number.  They  are  composed  of  a mix- 
ed metal.  The  engraved  page  on  the  largest  plate  is  13  inches 
long  by  about  4 broad.  They  are  closely  written  ; four  of  them 
on  both  sides  of  the  plate,  making  in  all  eleven  pages.  On  the 
plate  reputed  to  be  the  oldest,  there  is  writing  perspicuously  en- 
graved in  nail-headed,  or  triangular-headed  letters,  resembling  the 
Persepolitan  or  Babylonish.  On  the  same  plate  there  is  writing  in 
another  character,  which  has  no  affinity  with  any  existing  character 
in  Hindostan.  The  grant  on  this  plate  appears  to  be  witnessed  by 
four  Jews  of  rank,  whose  names  are  distinctly  written  in  an  old  He- 
brew character,  resembling  the  alphabet  called  The  Palmyrene ; 
and  to  each  name  is  prefixed  the  title  of  Magen  ; that  is,  Chief. 

“ It  may  be  doubted  whether  there  exists  in  the  world  another 
document  of  equal  antiquity,  which  is,  at  the  same  time,  of  so  great 
a length,  and  in  such  faultless  preservation  as  the  Christian  Tablets 
in  Malayala.  The  Jews  of  Cochin,  indeed  contest  the  palm  of  an- 
tiquity and  of  preservation  ; for  they  also  produce  tablets,  contain- 
ing privileges  granted  at  a remote  period.  The  Jewish  tablets  are 
two  in  number.  The  Jews  were  long  in  possession  of  a third 
plate,  which  now  appears  to  be  the  property  of  the  Christians. 
T ae  Jews  commonly  show  an  ancient  Hebrew  translation  of  their 
pla  es.  Dr.  Leyden  made  another  translation  ; which  differs  from 
the  Hebrew  : and  there  has  lately  been  found  among  the  old  Dutch 
records  at  Cochin,  a third  translation,  which  approaches  nearer  to 
Dr.  Leyden’s  than  to  the  Hebrew.  In  a Hebrew  manuscript,  which 
will  shortly  be  published,  it  is  recorded  that  a grant  on  brass  tab- 
lets was  given  to  the  Jews,  in  A.  D.  379. 

“ As  it  is  apprehended  that  there  may  be  some  difficulty  in  ob- 
taining an  accurate  translation  of  all  these  tablets,  it  is  proposed  to 
print  a copperplate  fac  simile  of  the  whole,  and  to  transmit  copies 

7 


50 


to  the  learned  Societies  in  Hindostan  and  in  Europe  ; for  this  pur- 
pose an  engraver  is  now  employed  on  the  plates,  at  Cochin.  The 
Christian  and  Jewish  plates  together  will  make  fourteen  pages. 
A copy  has  been  sent,  in  the  first  instance,  to  the  Pundits  of  i e 
Shanscrit  College,  at  Trichiur,  by  direction  of  the  Rajah  of  Cot:. in. 

“ When  the  White  Jews  of  Cochin  were  questioned  respecting 
the  ancient  copies  of  their  Scriptures,  they  answered,  that  it  had 
been  usual  to  bury  the  old  copy  read  in  the  synagogue,  when  de- 
cayed by  time  and  use.  This  does  not  however  appear  to  have 
been  the  practice  of  the  Black  Jews,  who  were  the  first  settlers  ; 
for  in  the  record  chests  of  their  synagogues,  old  copies  of  the  law 
have  been  discovered  ; some  of  which  are  complete  ; and  for  the 
most  part,  legible.  Neither  could  the  Jews  of  Cochin  produce 
any  historical  manuscripts  of  consequence,  their  vicinity  to  the  sea 
coast  having  exposed  their  community  to  frequent  revolution  ; 
but  many  old  writings  have  been  found  at  the  remote  Synagogues 
of  their  ancient  enemies,  the  black  Jews,  situated  at  Tritooa, 
Paroor,  Chenotta,  and  Maleh  ; the  last  of  which  place  is  near  the 
mountains.  Amongst  these  writings  are  some  of  great  length,  in 
Rabbinical  Hebrew  ; but  in  so  ancient  and  uncommon  a character, 
that  it  will  require  much  time  and  labor  to  ascertain  their  contents. 
There  is  one  manuscript  written  in  a character  resembling  the 
Palmyrene  Hebrew,  on  the  brass  plates : but  it  is  in  a decayed 
state  ; and  the  leaves  adhere  so  closely  to  each  other,  that  it  is 
doubtful  whether  it  will  be  possible  to  unfold  them,  and  preserve 
the  reading.  It  is  sufficiently  established  by  the  concurring  evi- 
dence of  written  record  and  Jewish  tradition,  that  the  black  Jews 
had  colonized  on  the  coasts  of  India,  long  before  the  Christian  sera. 
There  was  another  colony  at  Rajapoor,  in  the  Mahratta  territory, 
which  is  not  yet  extinct  ; and  there  are,  at  this  time,  Jewish  sol- 
diers, and  Jewish  native  officers  in  the  British  service.  That  these 
area  remnant  of  the  Jews  of  the  first  dispersion  at  the  Babylonish 
captivity,  seems  highly  probable.  There  are  many  other  tribes 
settled  in  Persia,  Arabia,  Northern  India,  Tartary  and  China, 
whose  respective  places  of  residence  may  be  easily  discovered. 
The  places  which  have  been  already  ascertained,  are  65  in  num- 
ber. These  tribes  have  in  general,  (particularly  those  who  have 
passed  the  Indus)  assimilated  much  to  the  customs  of  the  coun- 
tries in  which  they  live  ; and  may  sometimes  be  seen  by  a travel- 
ler, without  being  recognized  as  Jews.  The  very  imperfect  re- 
semblance of  their  countenance  to  the  Jews  of  Europe,  indicates 
that  they  have  been  detached  from  the  parent  stock  in  Judea,  many 
ages  before  the  race  of  Jews  in  the  west.  A fact  corroborative  of 
this  is,  that  certain  of  these  tribes  do  not  call  themselves  Jews,  but 
Beni- Israel,  or  Israelites  ; for  the  name  Jew  is  derived  from  Judah  ; 
whereas  the  ancestors  of  these  tribes  were  not  subject  to  the  kings 
of  Judah,  but  to  the  kings  of  Israel.  They  have,  in  most  places, 
the  book  of  the  Law,  the  book  of  Job,  and  the  Psalms  ; but  know 


31 


little  of  the  propheta.  Some  of  them  have  even  lost  the  book  of 
the  law  ; and  only  know  that  they  are  Israelites  from  tradition,  and 
from  their  observance  of  peculiar  rites. 

“ A copy  of  the  Scriptures,  belonging  to  the  Jews  of  the  east,  who 
might  be  supposed  to  have  no  communication  with  the  Jews  in  the 
west,  has  been  long  a desideratum  with  Hebrew  scholars,  In  the 
coffer  of  a synagogue  of  the  black  Jews,  in  the  interior  of  Malayala, 
there  has  been  found  an  old  copy  of  the  law,  written  on  a roll  of 
leather.  The  skins  are  sewed  together,  and  the  roll  is  about  fifty 
feet  in  length.  It  is  in  some  places  worn  out,  and  the  holes  have 
been  patched  with  pieces  of  parchment. 

“ Some  of  the  Jews  suppose  that  this  roll  came  originally  from 
Senna,  in  Arabia  ; others  have  heard  that  it  was  brought  from 
Cashmir.  The  Cabul  Jews,  who  travel  annually  into  the  interior 
of  China,  say,  that  in  some  synagogues,  the  law  is  still  found  writ- 
ten on  a roll  of  leather ; not  on  vellum,  but  on  a soft  flexible  leath- 
er, made  of  goat  skins,  and  dyed  red  ; which  agrees  with  the  de- 
scription of  the  roll  above  mentioned. 

“ Such  of  the  Syriac  and  Jewish  manuscripts  as  may,  on  exam- 
ination, be  found  to  be  valuable,  will  be  deposited  in  the  public  li- 
braries of  the  British  Universities. 

“ The  princes  of  the  Deccan  have  manifested  a liberal  regard 
for  the  extension  of  Shanscrit  learning,  by  furnishing  lists  of  the 
books  in  their  temples  for  the  college  of  Fort  William,  in  Bengal. 

His  Excellency  the  Rajah  of  Tanjore,  was  pleased  to  set  the  ex- 
ample, by  giving  the  voluminous  catalogue  of  the  ancient  library  of 
the  kings  of  Tanjore  ; and  his  example  has  been  followed  by  the 
Ranny  of  Ramnad,  patronness  of  the  celebrated  temple  of  Ramiss- 
eram,  near  Adam’s  Bridge ; by  his  Highness  the  Rajah  of  Trav- 
ancore,  who  has  given  lists  of  all  the  books  in  the  Travancore 
country  ; and  by  the  Rajah  of  Cochin,  patron  of  the  ancient  Shan- 
scrit college,  at  the  temple  of  Trichiur.  It  is  understood  that  a 
copy  of  any  book  in  these  catalogues  will  be  given  when  required. 
The  Bramins  of  Travancore,  consider  that  their  manuscripts  are 
likely  to  have  as  just  a claim  to  high  antiquity,  or  at  least  to  accu- 
rate preservation,  as  those  in  the  temples  in  the  north  : and  for  the 
same  reason  that  the  Christian  and  Jewish  records  have  been  so 
well  preserved  : which  is  that  the  country  of  Travancore,  defend- 
ed by  mountains,  has  never,  according  to  tradition,  been  subju- 
gated by  invaders  from  the  north  of  Hindostan. 

“ The  design  of  investigating  the  history  and  literature  of  the 
Christians  and  Jews  in  the  East,  was  submitted  to  the  Marquis 
Wellesley,  before  he  left  India.  His  Lordship  judging  it  to  be  of 
importance  that  the  actual  relation  of  the  Syrian  Christians  to  our 
own  church  should  be  ascertained,  and  auguring  something  inter- 
esting to  the  Republic  of  letters,  from  the  investigation  of  the  Sy- 
riac and  Jewish  antiquities,  was  pleased  to  give  orders  that  public 
aid  should  be  afforded  to  Dr.  Buchanan,  in  the  prosecution  of  his 


52 


inquiries,  wherever  it  might  be  practicable.  To  the  operation  of 
these  orders  it  is  owing  that  the  proposed  researches,  of  which 
some  slight  notices  are  given  above,  have  not  been  made  m vain. 

“ Cochin,  January,  1807.” 


S 


FINIS- 


